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1. How old do children have to be before they no longer need a car seat?

A child must ride in a car seat or booster seat until they reach the age of 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall, whichever comes first.

2. How do I determine what kind of car seat my child needs?

Each car seat is labeled with a maximum height and weight. Make sure the car seat is appropriate for your child's weight and height.

3. How do I schedule a car seat inspection?

To schedule a car seat inspection, just call the Alpena County Sheriff's Office at 989-354-9855. If you are unable to reach a car seat technician leave your name and contact information and they will call you back.

4. What laws are there for children in vehicles?

Children younger than age 4 are to ride in a car seat in the rear seat if the vehicle has a rear seat. If all available rear seats are occupied by children under 4, then a child under 4 may ride in a car seat in the front seat. A child in a rear-facing car seat may only ride in the front seat if the airbag is turned off.

Children need to be properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. Children must ride in a seat until they reach the age requirement or the height requirement, whichever comes first.

Children under 16 years old must wear seat belts no matter where they are sitting in a vehicle.

5. Do car seats expire?

Yes, car seats expire after about 6 years from the date of manufacture. Some of the newer car seats are actually labeled with an expiration date.

6. My car seat is expired what do I do?

If your car seat is expired, you should cut the straps and remove the covering for the shell, making the car seat unusable.