BSGBoosterSeatGuide

State law page

Minnesota Booster Seat Laws & Requirements (2026)

At least 2 yrs in a rear-facing child safety seat until outgrows the seat by height or weight | At least 2 yrs in forward-facing child safety seat if rear-facing seat it too small by height or weight | 4-8 yrs in booster seat if outgrown forward-facing harness seat by height or weight | Under 13 in rear seat if possible * | If a child can be placed in more than one category, then the child must be placed in the more protective category.

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FieldMinnesota snapshot
Age requirementAt least 2 yrs in a rear-facing child safety seat until outgrows the seat by height or weight | At least 2 yrs in forward-facing child safety seat if rear-facing seat it too small by height or weight | 4-8 yrs in booster seat if outgrown forward-facing harness seat by height or weight | Under 13 in rear seat if possible * | If a child can be placed in more than one category, then the child must be placed in the more protective category.
Height requirementSee child-restraint rule; includes height language where listed.
Weight requirementSee child-restraint rule; includes weight language where listed.
Fine / penaltyVerify fine with state source; GHSA notes first-offense fines vary by state.
Last checkedGHSA reviewed by SHSOs June 2025; extracted 2026-07-23
Verification levelIndex source; official state verification pending
Child restraint requiredAt least 2 yrs in a rear-facing child safety seat until outgrows the seat by height or weight | At least 2 yrs in forward-facing child safety seat if rear-facing seat it too small by height or weight | 4-8 yrs in booster seat if outgrown forward-facing harness seat by height or weight | Under 13 in rear seat if possible * | If a child can be placed in more than one category, then the child must be placed in the more protective category.
Adult safety belt permissibleAt least 9 yrs and fits in an adult seat belt correctly | Under 13 in rear seat if possible
Verification levelIndex source; official state verification pending

Sources

Law and source links

Index source: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws-issues/child-passengers

Statute/source text: GHSA child passenger law summary; Safe Kids state law tracker cross-check

Safety guidance

Even when Minnesota law allows a seat belt, NHTSA, CDC, and AAP guidance may still recommend a booster until the vehicle belt fits properly.

Requirements guide

Understand age, height, weight, and seat belt fit.

Read requirements

Age guide

See when children typically start and stop using boosters.

Read age guide