Indiana was the state where I discovered one of the most creative free car seat programs I’ve seen anywhere: Project L.O.V.E., which stands for Law Officer Vouchers and Enforcement. If a police officer pulls you over and sees your child isn’t properly restrained, instead of just giving you a ticket, they can hand you a voucher for a free car seat at your nearest inspection station. It flips the enforcement model from punitive to helpful. Combine that with Community Health Network providing free seats at every one of their hospitals, and Indiana has a surprisingly solid safety net — if you know where to look.
Indiana saw a 4.8% decrease in traffic fatalities in 2024 compared to 2023, with 42 fewer lives lost. A properly used car seat reduces fatal injury risk by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. But with seats costing to 0, many Indiana families need help getting one.
This guide covers every major free car seat program in Indiana, the state’s car seat laws, and how to get professional installation help.
View our lists of free car seat programs by type:
Indiana car seat laws
Indiana requires all children under age 8 to ride in a federally approved child restraint system:
- Rear-facing seat: Required from birth until the child outgrows the rear-facing seat (typically 22-40 lbs depending on the seat).
- Forward-facing seat with harness: For children who have outgrown their rear-facing seat until they outgrow the forward-facing seat.
- Booster seat: Required until age 8, using a belt-positioning booster with lap and shoulder belt.
- Seat belt: Required for all children ages 8-15. Children 12 and under must ride in the back seat if one is available.
Violations are Class D infractions with a fine plus court costs. Indiana generally allows parents to avoid fines by installing an appropriate car seat within 30 days. For help choosing the right seat type, see our best-rated convertible car seats guide or our safest car seat brands comparison.
Indiana-specific programs worth knowing about
Indiana has several programs for free and low-cost car seats:
- Project L.O.V.E. (Law Officer Vouchers and Enforcement) — When law officers encounter a child who isn’t properly restrained, they can issue vouchers instead of citations. Parents redeem vouchers at their nearest Child Safety Seat Inspection Station for a free car seat. Must meet low-income eligibility (participation in any public assistance program).
- Community Health Network car seat program — Provides free car seats to parents at all Community hospitals when leaving after birth, illness, or a car accident. Call 800-777-7775 for information.
- Decatur Township Fire Department — Partners with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to provide free car seats. Those on government assistance get seats free; others can purchase for . Registration form available through their website.
- Spencer County Health Department — Offers free child safety seats for children newborn through age 8 to families meeting low-income financial eligibility. Has provided over 3,000 seats since 2004.
- Franciscan Health car seat safety clinics (Tippecanoe County) — Has installed over 100 free car seats for qualifying families. Requires reservation and meeting eligibility requirements.
- Indiana Automotive Safety Program / Safe Kids Indiana — Sponsored by ICJI, offers free car seat safety checks and in some cases free car seats statewide through certified technicians.
- Choices CCS — Car seat safety program serving Indiana families.
- Hancock Health — Car seat safety checks available.
Important note: Many Indiana fire departments and police departments participate in car seat check programs through ICJI. Call your local department to ask. Check our main guide to getting free car seats for national programs that also serve Indiana families.
Start here — the fastest path to a free or low-cost seat
If you do nothing else, do these in order:
- Call Community Health Network at 800-777-7775 — Their statewide hospital system provides free seats to parents leaving after birth, illness, or a crash.
- Contact your local fire department or police department — Many participate in ICJI-funded car seat programs and can provide free or seats.
- Call 211 — Indiana’s 211 helpline can connect you to current programs in your county.
- Book a free car seat check — Use the NHTSA technician locator to find a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician near you.
A quick warning about secondhand seats
If a secondhand seat is your only option, check these four things before using it: (1) the expiration date — car seats expire 6-10 years after manufacture, stamped on the bottom or back; (2) crash history — never use a seat that’s been in any crash; (3) recalls — check NHTSA’s recall database; and (4) all original parts including harness, chest clip, and labels. If it fails any of these checks, see our guide on what to do with old car seats. And if budget is the main barrier, seats like the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 (under ) and Evenflo Tribute (under ) pass the exact same federal crash tests as seats costing 0+.
Don’t do this alone
Indiana’s fine for a car seat violation is only — one of the lowest in the country. But the real cost of not restraining your child is immeasurable. Indiana’s Project L.O.V.E. program means that even a traffic stop can turn into a free car seat instead of a ticket. Start with Community Health Network, then your local fire department, then 211. And once you have a seat, our car seat safety basics guide will walk you through getting it installed correctly — because the right seat only works if it’s used right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a free car seat in Indiana?
The fastest route is calling Community Health Network at 800-777-7775 — they run one of the state’s largest free car seat programs and can connect you with a certified technician near you. You can also contact your county health department or check with our full list of free car seat programs to find options in your area.
What are Indiana’s car seat laws?
Indiana requires all children under 8 to ride in an appropriate child restraint system. Infants must be rear-facing from birth, and children transition to forward-facing seats and then boosters based on size. Kids 8 and older must use a seat belt. Children under 12 should ride in the back seat. Violations carry a fine, though you can avoid the penalty by installing a proper seat within 30 days.
Does Indiana have income-based car seat programs?
Yes. Several programs serve low-income families specifically. Spencer County Health Department has distributed over 3,000 free seats since 2004 to qualifying families. Project L.O.V.E. through Indiana Automotive Safety also provides free seats to families in need. Most programs require proof of income, WIC enrollment, or Medicaid eligibility.
Where can I get my car seat inspected in Indiana?
Indiana has certified car seat technicians at fire departments, hospitals, and health departments across the state. Decatur Township Fire Department offers regular inspection events, and Community Health Network has technicians at multiple locations. You can also find your nearest technician through NHTSA’s inspection station locator.
What if I can’t afford a car seat in Indiana?
Don’t go without — there are real options. Start by calling 211, which connects you to local assistance programs. Community Health Network, Spencer County Health Department, Franciscan Health, and Hancock Health all offer free or reduced-cost seats. If you’re between programs, the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 runs about and meets all federal safety standards.
Can I use a secondhand car seat in Indiana?
You can, but be careful. Only accept a used seat if you personally know its full history. Check that it hasn’t been in a crash, isn’t expired (most expire 6-10 years after manufacture), has no cracks or missing parts, and hasn’t been recalled by NHTSA. If you’re unsure about any of these, it’s safer to get a new seat through one of Indiana’s free programs.
