The Car Seat Rules
Minn. Stat. 169.685 — rear facing to two, a booster from four, the rear seat under 13
In Minnesota, every driver transporting a child under the age of 18 years in a vehicle federally required to have safety belts or child anchors has the child secured by the steps the section sets. A child who fits more than one step goes in the more protective one.
| The child | What the section requires |
|---|---|
| The childYounger than two years of age | What the section requiresRear facing with an internal harness, until the seat's weight or height limit |
| The childAt least two and past the rear facing limit | What the section requiresForward facing with an internal harness, until the seat's limit |
| The childAt least four and past the forward facing limit | What the section requiresA booster seat and a safety belt |
| The childAt least nine, or past the booster's limit | What the section requiresA safety belt that fits correctly |
| The childYounger than 13 | What the section requiresThe rear seat, when available |
- A belt fits correctly when the child sits all the way back, knees bend over the seat edge, the lap strap sits on the thighs and hips, and the shoulder strap crosses the chest and not the neck.
- A child younger than six years of age or under 60 pounds rides in a rear seat if there is an active passenger air bag and a rear seat is available.
- A violation is a petty misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $50, which may be waived or reduced on proof that a restraint was obtained within 14 days.
- Use or nonuse of a seat belt or child restraint is generally not admissible in an injury or property damage case.
Sources for this section (1)
- Minn. Stat. 169.685 — Seat belts and passenger restraint for children
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Minnesota attorney.