Governor Jennifer Granholm signed legislation requiring all children who are both under age 8 and shorter that 4 feet 9 inches to be restrained in booster seats.

The law will take effect July 1, 2008, and violators will face a civil infraction fine of up to $65 per offense. Michigan’s new law will be a primary enforcement law, meaning law enforcement can write tickets to parents and care-givers of improperly restrained children. It will add to Michigan law requiring children under age 4 to ride in a booster seat.

Sponsors of the legislation say most of the children between ages 4-8 years old, who are seriously injured in automobile accidents are not restrained in a booster seat.

Michigan will become the 39th state to adopt an expanded booster seat law.

Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for Michigan children ages 14 and under. In 2005, 7,188 Michigan children ages 15 and under were injured and children were killed in crashes.

According to Jack Peet, manager of Community Safety Service of AAA Michigan, beginning April 21, AAA branch locations statewide will offer a free “booster seat kit” that will contain kid-and parent-friendly materials explaining the ins and outs of booster seat use.

In addition, AAA branch locations will host child safety seat inspections in the coming months.

“AAA wants parents and care providers to be aware of the important role that age and size appropriate child passenger and booster seats play in keeping our children safe,” said Peet.