Child
Seats
Minnesota
Statute 169.685 s.5 states that every child under the age
of four, while in a motor vehicle on public streets or highways
in the state of Minnesota, must be placed in a child safety
seat which meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Violation of this statute is a misdemeanor.
Basically this means if you are going to transport children
under the age of four, they need to be in a car seat. Consumers
should be selective on what car seat they choose, as some
car seats are outdated. If a car seat is more than six years
old, it’s recommended that it be replaced.
Some seats have been placed on a recall list. When a car
seat is purchased, the registration card should always be
sent in. If the seat has any recalls, the company will send
a notice to the buyer indicating the defect. If the registration
card was not sent in, the Benson Police Department has an
updated recall list of all manufactured car seats.
If a car seat has been involved in a crash, it should not
be used. The seats are designed to withstand the force of
one crash. The webbing on the harnesses can stretch, and
the plastic the seats are made of can bend and crack; both
of which will make them less effective during a second crash.
Installing the seats can be, and usually is, difficult.
There are several different styles and brands of car seats.
The first thing a consumer should do is read the owner’s
manual. This will give instructions on the proper way to
install the seat. Unfortunately, reading about it and installing
it are oftentimes two different things. The Benson Police
Department has a technician who is always willing to help
install a car seat. If questions or problems arise, please
feel free to contact Officer Nancy Dosdall at 106.pd@co.swift.mn.us or at 320-843-4790.
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