During the most recent legislative session, Minnesota lawmakers modified safety laws involving children and car seats. The new legislation, which aims to better protect kids in the event of a car crash, goes into effect on Aug. 1.

“It’s important that children and families follow these new laws, which are designed with their safety and well-being in mind,” said Allison Nicolson, injury prevention specialist at Essentia.

Some of the most notable changes include:

• A child must be rear-facing until 2 years of age and exceed the height or weight limit of their child restraint system (CRS).

• A forward-facing child must use the internal harness until they exceed the maximum height or weight limit.

• A child who is at least 4 years of age and exceeds the height or weight limit of the forward-facing CRS must be in a booster seat.

• A child who is at least 9 years of age and exceeds the height or weight limit of the CRS and can pass the 5-Step Fit Test must be secured with a safety belt.

• No child under 13 years of age can be in the front seat.

Learn more about child passenger safety in Minnesota at www.dps.mn.gov.

Essentia Health safety experts are raising awareness about the new legislation.