Kids up to age 8 should be in booster seats, MN Senate says

02/19/2007

DENNIS LIEN
Pioneer Press


A bill that raises the age, from 4 to 8, under which children must be strapped in booster seats while riding in cars, trucks and vans received preliminary approval today in the Minnesota Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jim Carlson, DFL-Eagan, also waives a $50 fine for violating the law if the offender gets a booster seat within two weeks of the violation. Now, the fine can be waived or reduced, but there's no requirement for such action.

Carlson said the legislation will reduce fatalities and injuries to children in vehicular accidents. "This is a bill that saves lives,'' Carlson said.

A colleague, Sen. David Tomassoni, DFL-Chisholm, questioned whether some children might be too big to fit into the seats.

The seats, which cost $20 to $35, now must be used to strap in youngsters up to 4 years of age. But many parents routinely use them for children 4 and older.

A companion bill is awaiting a hearing in the House Transportation Finance Division.