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Car Seat Check
The Prior Lake Police Department provides a cooperative effort between parents and a trained car seat
installation officer for the proper and safest use of child restraints. For an appointment, contact Prior Lake Police Officer Maureen O'Hehir at (952) 447-9874.
Minnesota Statute 169.685: Child Passenger Restraint Law |
 • A child who is both under age 8 and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches is required to be fastened in a child safety seat that meets federal safety standards. Under this law, a child cannot use a seat belt alone until they are age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches tall. It is recommended to keep a child in a booster based on their height, rather than their age.
• Safety seats must be installed and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions:
- Child must be secured in the safety seat.
- Seat must be secured to the vehicle with a seat belt or other appropriate device (LATCH) as authorized by the manufacturer.
- Infants (under 20 pounds and less than 1 year of age) must be in a rear-facing safety seat, away from air bags.
- Law applies to all motor vehicles originally equipped with factory-installed seat belts.
- Law applies to all seating positions.
- Driver's record carries the violation and driver is responsible for paying the fine.
- Petty misdemeanor fine for violation is $50 (may be waived if violator shows proof of obtaining a safety seat within 14 days).
- Applies to both residents and non-residents of Minnesota.
- Suspected non-use is a valid basis to stop a motor vehicle.
Exceptions
• Children riding in emergency medical vehicles, when medical needs make use of a restraint unreasonable.
• Children riding in a motor vehicle for hire, including a taxi, airport limousine or bus, but excluding a rented, leased or borrowed motor vehicle.
• Children riding with a peace officer on official duty, when a restraint is not available (a seat belt must be substituted).
• Children certified by a licensed physician as having a medical, physical or mental disability that makes restraint use inadvisable.
• Passengers in school buses. |
