In Minnesota, a child must use a booster seat until they are at least 9 years old, or they have outgrown the booster by height or weight, and can successfully pass the FIVE-STEP TEST for proper seat belt fit. If a child falls into multiple age/size categories, they should be placed in the safer restraint.
Here's how to determine if a child is ready for a seat belt:
A child is ready to use a vehicle's lap and shoulder belt without a booster seat if they can pass the five-step test:
- Sit all the way back: The child sits with their back against the vehicle seat.
- Knees bent: Their knees bend comfortably over the edge of the vehicle seat.
- Feet flat: Their feet are flat on the floor.
- Lap belt position: The lap belt fits snugly across their hips, not their abdomen.
- Shoulder belt position: The shoulder belt crosses the center of their chest and shoulder, not their neck.
- Sits correctly: The child sits correctly without slouching for the entire ride.
For more information, please visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.