On July 1, 2008 Governor Jennifer Granholm signed Michigan's new booster seat law.  With this new legislation in place, Michigan joined forty-four (44) states that already have booster seat laws.  All children under 8 years of age or under 4'9" tall must be restrained in an appropriate car seat or booster seat.  Properly restraining a child in a booster or car seat can reduce the risk of serious injury by fifty-nine percent (59%).

Choosing an appropriate car seat or booster seat can be confusing.  The links and resources below can help you determine which seat may be most appropriate for your child. 

If at any time you have questions regarding car seats, booster seats, or installations of either seat, please contact one of our Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians at (586) 412-3398.  Please note: car seat and booster seat inspections are done by appointment only. 

"My child is four.  Do I automatically move him to a booster seat or leave him in his car seat?"

The best practice is to leave a child in a car seat with a 5-point harness as long as he fits in the car seat.  Once a child exceeds the weight or height limit of the car seat, then it is time to move up to a booster seat.

Which booster seat should I use? 

There are two types of booster seats: no-back boosters and high-back boosters.  Generally speaking, no-back boosters can only be used in vehicle seats with a head rest and high-back boosters can be used in vehicle seats without a head rest.  Always read the booster seat manual - some high-back boosters may need vehicle seats with head rests. 

How much do booster seats cost?

Prices range from $15 to $100 depending on the style and manufacturer.  All booster seats, regardless of cost, must pass the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

How should the seat belt be positioned on my child in a booster seat?

The shoulder portion of the seatbelt should fit across the breast bone and the collar bone.  The lap portion of the seatbelt should fit low and snug on the hips of your child.

Can I use a booster with a lap belt only?

No, all boosters currently require the use of a lap and shoulder belt. 

I only have lap belts available in my car; what type of seat can I use?

Booster seats are not an option for that seat belt type, therefore, a car seat with 5-point harness would be required to meet the law.  Click on the link below for a printable PDF of booster seat alternatives.

Alternatives to Boosters for Children Over 40 Pounds

My child is occasionally transported for a summer camp in a 15 passenger van.  Is the van exempt or does my child need to sit in a booster seat?

According to information from the State Police, anything less than 16 passengers does not meet the definition of "bus or school bus," and therefore is not exempt from the law.   Your child would need a booster seat if there are lap-shoulder belts.  If there are lap belts only, your child would need a car seat with an appropriate weight and height limit.

Does the Macomb County Health Department have free booster seats?

At the present time, the Macomb County Health Department does not have free booster seats for distribution.  If a resource is identified in the community, the information will be included on our web pages.

For more information on properly restraining your child in a vehicle, visit one or more of the following links: