Child Passenger Restraint Law 

• All children under age 8 must ride in a federally approved car seat or booster seat, unless the child is 4'9" or taller.

• Car seats must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions, a child passenger restraint system meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards.  

• It is recommended that all infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seats, as long as possible.  

• Law applies to all motor vehicles originally equipped with factory-installed seat belts.

• Law applies to all seating positions.

• Driver is responsible.

• Applies to both residents and non-residents of Minnesota.

• Suspected non-use is a valid basis to stop a motor vehicle.

• Children riding in emergency medical vehicles, when medical needs make use of a restraint unreasonable

• Children riding in a motor vehicle for hire, including a taxi, airport limousine or bus, but excluding a rented, leased or borrowed motor vehicle

• Children riding with a peace officer on official duty, when a restraint is not available (a seat belt must be substituted)

• Children certified by a licensed physician as having a medical, physical or mental disability that makes restraint use inadvisable

• Passengers in school buses with a GVWR of over 10,000 pounds.