One of the most common questions asked of a Law Enforcement Officer is in regards to safety belt requirements. The Michigan Motor Vehicle Code requirements for child restraints and safety belt use are as follows:

§257.710d. Child restraint system.

A child less than 4 years of age in a motor vehicle shall be properly secured in a child restraint system that meets the standards prescribed in 49 C.F.R. 571.213.

This section does not apply to any child being nursed.

This section does not apply if the motor vehicle being driven is a bus, school bus, taxicab, moped, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle not required to be equipped with safety belts under federal law or regulations.

§257.710e. Use of safety belts.

Each driver and front seat passenger of a motor vehicle operated on a street or highway in this state shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt.

Each driver of a motor vehicle transporting a child 4 years of age or more but less than 16 years of age in a motor vehicle shall secure the child in a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt

The statute does not apply to a driver or passenger of any of the following:

• A motor vehicle manufactured before January 1, 1965.

• A bus (or school bus).

• A motorcycle.

• A moped.

• A motor vehicle if the driver or passenger possesses a written verification from a physician that the driver or passenger is unable to wear a safety belt for physical or medical reasons.

• A motor vehicle that is not required to be equipped with safety belts under federal law.

• A commercial or United States postal service vehicle that makes frequent stops for the purpose of pickup or delivery of goods or services.

• A motor vehicle operated by a rural carrier of the United States postal service while serving his or her rural postal route.

A person who violates either of these sections is responsible for a civil infraction. A seat belt violation is a $65.00 fine. A child restraint violation is a $105.00 fine (no points for either).

The State of Michigan, Office of Highway Planning and Safety also suggest the following guidelines be followed:

 A child under 1 year of age, or under 20 pounds should be restrained in a rear facing child restraint seat.

 A child under 4 years of age and over 20 pounds maybe restrained in a forward facing child restraint seat.

 Any child under 4’-9” in height should be in an approved booster seat in the seat.

 Children over 4’-9” in height and under 12 years of age should be seated in the rear seat of a vehicle using a safety belt.

If you have a car seat for your youngster and are unsure if you have installed it correctly, give us a call. Our department has two officers that are certified car seat inspectors and can make sure your passenger will be as safe as possible. Give us a call @ 810- 653-4196 and set up an appointment for inspection. No charge.

Davison City Police Department