The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 169.685, to enhance child passenger restraint provisions by adding a new subdivision (5a) that outlines specific requirements for restraining children in motor vehicles. The new regulations stipulate that drivers must ensure children under 18 are properly restrained according to their age and size, detailing the use of rear-facing and forward-facing child restraint systems, booster seats, and adult safety belts. Additionally, it mandates that children under 13 years old must be transported in the rear seat when available, and provides definitions for terms such as "child booster seat" and "child restraint system."

Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing subdivision 5 of section 169.685, which previously outlined penalties for violations related to transporting children under eight years old and shorter than four feet nine inches. This repeal indicates a shift in focus from punitive measures to a more comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring child safety in vehicles. The new provisions aim to provide clearer guidelines for parents and guardians regarding the proper use of child restraint systems, thereby enhancing overall public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 169.685