Sec. 710d.

(1) Except as provided in this section, or as otherwise provided by law, a rule promulgated under the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328, or federal regulation, each driver transporting a child less than 4 years of age in a motor vehicle shall properly secure that child in a child restraint system that meets the standards prescribed in 49 CFR 571.213.

(2) A driver transporting a child as required under subsection (1) shall position the child in the child restraint system in a rear seat, if the vehicle is equipped with a rear seat. If all available rear seats are occupied by children less than 4 years of age, then a child less than 4 years of age may be positioned in the child restraint system in the front seat. A child in a rear-facing child restraint system may be placed in the front seat only if the front passenger air bag is deactivated.

(3) This section does not apply if the motor vehicle being driven is a bus, school bus, taxicab, moped, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle not required to be equipped with safety belts under federal law or regulations.

(4) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction.

(5) Points shall not be assessed under section 320a for a violation of this section. An abstract required under section 732 shall not be submitted to the secretary of state regarding a violation of this section.

(6) The secretary of state may exempt by rules promulgated under the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328, a class of children from the requirements of this section, if the secretary of state determines that the use of the child restraint system required under subsection (1) is impractical because of physical unfitness, a medical problem, or body size. The secretary of state may specify alternate means of protection for children exempted under this subsection.

History: Add. 1981, Act 117, Eff. Mar. 31, 1982 ;-- Am. 1990, Act 90, Eff. Mar. 28, 1991 ;-- Am. 1999, Act 29, Eff. Mar. 10, 2000 ;-- Am. 2009, Act 57, Imd. Eff. June 26, 2009 Compiler's Notes: Enacting section 1 of 1999 PA 29, which amended this section, provides:“Enacting section 1. It is the intent of the legislature that the cost savings realized by insurance companies because of the changes made by this amendatory act shall be passed on to insurance policy holders.”Popular Name: Seat Belt Law