Buckling up your child correctly is one of the simplest ways to keep them safe on Minnesota roads.
If you are a parent or caregiver in the North Star State, understanding the Minnesota law for booster seats is essential, since the rules were updated to reflect the latest child passenger safety research. This guide breaks down exactly what Minnesota parents need to know in 2026.
What Changed Under Minnesota’s Child Passenger Safety Law
Minnesota’s Child Passenger Safety Law was updated by the state legislature, with the revised rules taking effect August 1, 2024, and still in force through 2026. Instead of relying only on a child’s size, the law now sets specific ages for each restraint stage, while still factoring in height and weight limits set by the seat manufacturer.
Booster Seat Age Raised to 9
One of the biggest changes under the updated Minnesota booster seat law is that the minimum age for moving out of a booster seat was raised from 8 to 9 years old. This aligns Minnesota with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Current Booster Seat Requirements in Minnesota
When a Child Moves to a Booster Seat
A child can move into a belt positioning booster seat once they are at least 4 years old AND have outgrown their forward facing harnessed seat by height or weight. In the booster, the child rides using both the lap belt and shoulder belt.
When a Child Can Stop Using a Booster Seat
Under Minnesota law for booster seats, a child may move to a regular seat belt once they turn 9 years old, or once they outgrow the booster seat by height or weight, whichever happens first. Even then, the child must also pass a five step seat belt fit test.
The Five Step Seat Belt Test
Minnesota recommends parents check the following before skipping the booster seat:
- The child sits all the way back against the vehicle seat.
- Knees bend naturally at the edge of the seat.
- The shoulder belt lies across the chest and shoulder, never the neck.
- The lap belt sits low across the upper thighs, not the stomach.
- The child can stay seated properly for the whole ride.
Who the Law Applies To
Every driver transporting a child under 18 in a Minnesota motor vehicle must ensure proper restraint.
The law applies to both Minnesota residents and non-residents driving in the state, and officers may stop a vehicle if a child appears unrestrained. Children under 13 should also ride in the back seat whenever possible.
Exceptions to Minnesota’s Booster Seat Law
A few situations are exempt from standard restraint requirements, including emergency medical vehicles, vehicles for hire such as taxis or buses, a peace officer on duty without an available restraint, and children with a documented medical condition certified by a licensed physician.
Where Minnesota Parents Can Get Help
Many Minnesota communities, including Apple Valley, St. Cloud, and Polk County, offer free car seat inspection stations staffed by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. These checks help confirm your booster seat is installed correctly and that your child has moved to the right stage under Minnesota law.
Final Thoughts for Minnesota Families
Following Minnesota’s updated booster seat rules protects your child and keeps you compliant with state law. When in doubt, keep your child in their current seat a little longer rather than rushing to the next stage, and reach out to a local car seat inspection station if you have questions about your specific seat.