Beginning August 1st, Minnesota caregivers will see a shift in child passenger safety laws.

Children must remain in a rear-facing passenger seat until at least two years of age, remain in a forward facing-facing internal harness seat until at least four years of age, and remain in a booster seat until the age of nine. Once a child reaches nine years old, they must pass the five-step-test before graduating out of the booster seat.

The five-step-test requires the child to sit with the seatbelt crossed over their collarbone, their lower back flat against the seat, the lap belt sitting between their thighs and hip bones, their knees bent at the edge of the seat and their feet flat on the floor. A child must be able to pass all five steps for the entirety of the car ride.

Duluth Fire Department’s Child Passenger Safety Instructor Alisson Shea explained the exception to the new requirement is if a child outgrows their car seat – as per the seat’s manufacturer. The child must exceed both the height and weight requirements of their car seat to graduate to the next.

“So, each seat is going to be different. Each manufacturer has different requirements. So, they’re going to find that on the label on their seat. They’re also going to find that in their manual,” said Shea.

With changes to the ruling, questions may arise. Luckily, the Duluth Police Department hosts free car seat checks once a month to ease concerns. They work in conjunction with both Cloquet and Superior Fire Departments to ensure there is a car seat check in the area three weeks a month.

“We look to see how the seat is installed. We also look to see how the seat belt or the harness is fitting on the child to make sure that it’s the proper fit. Then we go through different tips and helpful techniques to help maybe get a better installation for the seat, and then we make sure that the caregiver is able to comfortably install that seat on their own,” said Shea.

The Duluth Fire Department also received a small number of grant seats for low-income families in need. The department also partners with UCARE insurance, so citizens who carry insurance through UCARE can check to see if they can get a seat through their insurance.

For more information on grant qualifications, call the Duluth Life Safety Office at 218-730-4380.

For more information on the car seat laws, go to Car Seat Program | Home (duluthmn.gov)