Child seat safety laws in Minnesota

The state of Minnesota has regulations designed to protect children when they travel in cars. These laws govern the use and installation of child safety seats and must be followed by all motorists.

Summary of Minnesota Child Seat Safety Laws

Child seat safety laws in Minnesota can be summarized as follows:

Children under the age of eight

Any child under the age of 8 must occupy either an extra seat or a federally approved car seat if the child is under 57 inches.

Infants

Any infant, i.e. a child under the age of 1 and weighing less than 20 pounds, must sit in a rear-facing child seat.

Exceptions

Some exceptions apply.

• If a child is traveling in an ambulance under circumstances that make the use of restraints impractical, a child seat is not required.

• If a child is traveling in a taxi, airport limousine, or other rental vehicle other than the vehicle that was hired or rented by the parent, child seat laws do not apply.

• Police officers transporting children on duty are not required to use child seats.

• If the doctor confirms that the child has a disability that would make using the child seat problematic, the child seat may not be used.

• School buses are not subject to child seat laws.

Fines

If you violate child seat safety laws in Minnesota, you can be fined $50.

Child seat laws are designed to protect your child, so it makes sense to follow them. Don't risk being fined or endangering your child's safety - obey the law.