LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A long-recommended expansion of Michigan's child safety laws will require more children to be in booster seats while riding in a motor vehicle starting July 1.

Michigan's new law means that most children up to age 8 will be required to use a child restraint system beyond regular seat belts. The law applies until the child turns 8 or grows to at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall — whichever comes first.

Violations could cost from $65 to $165 for each unrestrained child in a vehicle, including fines and fees. That's far pricier than the typical booster seat, which runs roughly from $15 to $100 depending on the style.

"This is not about writing tickets. This is about keeping children safe," said Maj. Barry Getzen of the Michigan State Police. "Every day, we see children put at risk because they are not properly restrained while riding in a vehicle."

The child restraint system may be either a child seat with harness straps or a booster seat with no back or a high back, depending on the child's weight. Most children between the ages of 4 and 8 will be using booster seats.

The new law — which Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed in March — is much stricter than Michigan's old statute, which required children under 4 to be in a restraint system. About 40 states have laws similar to Michigan's new one, with most updated since 2000.

The rules vary from state to state, but most include requiring a booster seat until at least age 6. Some laws require booster seat use up to age 9 unless a child has reached a certain size.

Unlike many states, Michigan's law does not have a weight provision.

Safety is the primary motivator for states to increase the age or size of children mandated to be in a child restraint system. A booster seat raises children so that the vehicle's seat belt — typically designed for an adult-sized body — fits correctly and better prevents injuries.

Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for Michigan children under 15. More than 6,000 children were injured and 54 were killed in Michigan traffic accidents in 2006.

A nationwide study published in 2003 from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that using a booster seat with a seat belt — instead of just a seat belt alone — reduced a 4-to-8 year old's risk of injury by 59 percent.

Booster seats are becoming more widespread nationwide.

About two in five children between the ages of 4 and 7 were buckled up in booster seats in 2006, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The government recommends car seats for children up to 40 pounds and booster seats for children over 40 pounds until they are 8 years old or 4-foot-9. Children should ride in the back seat until age 13.

John Kepros, director of trauma services for Lansing's Sparrow Hospital, has three children between the age of 5 and 9. All three used booster seats even before Michigan's law was passed.

The children don't mind it because they sit up higher and can see what's going on outside the vehicle's windows. But their parents like it for other reasons.

"It helps prevent injuries," said Kepros, who participated in a press conference detailing the new law Tuesday.

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On the Net:

Safe Kids Michigan: http://www.michigansafekids.org

Michigan Secretary of State: http://www.michigan.gov/sos

Michigan State Police: http://www.michigan.gov/msp

Michigan Department of Community Health: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch