New Michigan Law Says You Must Be This Old To Ride In Front Seat

If you're a parent in Michigan with a young child, listen up. Effective April 2, 2025, Michigan has made some changes to child car seat laws and has even put an age restriction on the front seat.

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According to a press release from the Michigan State Police (MSP), these tweaks are meant to prevent your kids from becoming unfortunate statistics.

Old Rules vs. New Rules: What's Changing?

Michigan has laid it out for you if you have been winging it with a vague understanding of car set requirements. Here's the breakdown:

• Infants to 2 years: Rear-facing car seat for these little ones until they outgrow the seat's max weight/height or turn 2. Until then, no peeking over the dashboard.
• Ages 2 to 5: These toddlers have graduated to a front-facing car seat until they outgrow it or turn 5.
• Ages 5 to 8: Boosters seat until they hit 4'9" or turn 8. Why? Seat belts weren't made for pint-sized people.
• Under 13: No calling shotgun, if the vehicle has a backseat, that's where they sit.

No backseat? You can put a rear or front-facing seat there, but the airbag must be disabled. According to Michigan Auto Law, the 'legal' age for riding in the front seat was 4 before April 2, 2025.

If You Ignore the Rules, There Are Consequences

You love your kid, but if you "forget" to buckle them in properly or let a seven-year-old ride shotgun when a backseat is available, and you're pulled over in Michigan, you'll face fines, points on your license, and the side-eye from law-abiding parents.

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Check your car seats. Read the fine print from the manufacturer. And don't assume you're doing it right. Double check, click here or visit Michigan.gov/carseats. Also, get ready for an entire generation that's slow on the draw when calling 'Shotgun!'