Infants & childreN

Seat Belt Safety for Older Children

Watch this demonstration of of administering 5-Step Test.

What to say to older children about riding in the back seat.

Once a child has outgrown their booster seat by the weight or height limit, according to the car seat manufacturer of the booster seat, and the child is at least 9 years old, it may be time to ride without a booster seat, using the vehicle lap belt and shoulder belt.

Minnesota law requires that you keep your child in booster seat using the vehicle lap belt and shoulder belt until age least 9 years old, or until the child has outgrown the booster seat by the height or weight limits, according to the car seat manufacturer. Additionally, the child must be able to pass the 5-Step Test to ensure proper seat belt fit.

The 5 Step Test

The 5 step Test is a way to know when a child can ride without a booster seat. A child can safely ride on the vehicle seat with the lap and shoulder belt when the child can do ALL 5 steps. Children under age 13 who pass this test must also ride in the back seat, restrained by both the lap belt and shoulder belt.

If you’re unsure whether your child is big enough to ride without a booster seat or need assistance with the 5-Step Test, it’s recommended to have the fit of the lap belt and shoulder belt checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.

Disclaimer:
The information and materials found on this website are intended for reference and education. To ensure all passengers are using vehicle restraint systems correctly, please consult with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, as well as your vehicle’s owner’s manual and your child restraint owner’s manual.