Part 33



33.000 UNIFORM TRAFFIC CODE AMENDMENT:

MANDATORY CHILD RESTRAINTS*

Ord. No. 54

Adopted: April 25, 1983

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*Cross reference(s)--Uniform Traffic Code adoption, Pt. 30.

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An ordinance to amend the Uniform Traffic Code by adding Section 5.82 and thereby mandate child restraint systems, provide penalties for violations and provide exemptions.

THE CITY OF READING ORDAINS:

Section 5.82 be added to the Uniform Traffic Code to provide as follows:

Section 5.82 Mandatory child restraints.

(1) Except as provided in this section, or as otherwise provided by law, a rule promulgated pursuant to Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, as amended, being sections 24.201 to 24.315 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, or federal regulation, each driver transporting a child in a motor vehicle shall properly secure each child in a child restraint system as follows:

(a) Any child less than 1 year of age in a child restraint system which meets the standards prescribed in 49 C.F.R. 571.213.

(b) Any child 1 year of age or more but less than 4 years of age, when transported in the front seat, in a child restraint system which meets the standards prescribed in 49 C.F.R. 571.213.

(c) Any child 1 year of age or more but less than 4 years of age, when transported in the rear seat, in a child restraint system which meets the standards prescribed in 49 C.F.R. 571.213, unless the child is secured by a safety belt provided in the motor vehicle.

(2) This section does not apply to a nonresident driver transporting a child in this state or to any child being nursed.

(3) This section does not apply if the motor vehicle being driven is a bus, school bus, taxicab, moped, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle not required to be equipped with safety belts under section 710b of the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code or federal law or regulations.

(4) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction.

(5) Points shall not be assessed for a violation of this section.

(6) The secretary of state may exempt by rules promulgated pursuant to Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, as amended, a class of children from the requirements of this section, if the secretary of state determines that the use of the child restraint system required under subsection (1) is impractical because of physical unfitness, a medical problem, or body size. The secretary of state may specify alternate means of protection for children exempted under this subsection.

This amendatory ordinance shall take effect on May 30, 1983, after publication pursuant to charter.