Help Educate Parents About New Booster Seat Law

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is requesting the support of Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians to help educate families about the state’s new booster seat law, effective July 1, 2009.

Under the booster law, a child cannot use a seat belt alone until they are age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches tall — whichever comes first. It is recommended to keep a child in a booster based on their height, rather than their age. 

The Department of Public Safety is asking that Minnesota's family physicians do their part to remind parents that the new law is in the best interest of their children as traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for children.  Education is crucial because current statistics show that 70 percent of Minnesota children do not use boosters.

Click here to access a printable educational flier for use in offices.