According to a study by Indiana University School of Medicine, from 1975 through 2011 nearly 9,900 children were saved thanks to a child restraint system!
Seat belts (and well-made car seats) work – make sure you’re following the law, for your little ones’ sake!
Indiana Car Seat Law
Indiana has a set of rather limited laws when it comes to child restraint requirements. According to the law:
“A person who operates a motor vehicle in which there is a child less than eight (8) years of age who is not properly fastened and restrained according to the child restraint system manufacturer's instructions by a child restraint system commits a Class D infraction.”
Indiana Rear-facing Car Seat Law
Indiana law requires that children under the age of 12 months and 20 pounds must be restrained in a rear-facing car seat.
Indiana Forward-facing Car Seat Law
Children who are at least one year old and 20 pounds may be restrained in a forward-facing car seat. According to Indiana State Police, you should use a forward-facing seat until your child is at least 40 pounds. The car seat should be federally approved with a harness system.
Child Booster Seat Laws in Indiana
Indiana law says that all children under the age of eight must travel in a proper restraint system that is suitable for their height and weight. For children who have outgrown their forward-facing seats should use booster seats.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Indiana?
Experts recommend that your child should travel in the back seat until the age of 13. The back seat is the safest place for your child and tries to keep them there for as long as possible.
Leaving Child in Car Law in Indiana
Indiana has no laws regarding leaving the children in the car unattended.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Indiana?
Indiana is trying to make it illegal to smoke with a child passenger in the car.
Taxi Car Seat Law in Indiana
Taxis are not required to follow the Indiana child restraint laws.
Indiana Law Car Seat - Replacement After Accident
Indiana has no clear laws on car seat replacement in case of an accident. You can refer to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s guideline for more information.
Places to Get Car Seat Help in Indiana
Good Car Safety Videos for Hoosier Parents
Safe Kids Worldwide: How to secure your car seat
The Inch Test
Rear-Facing Seat with a Seat Belt
Rear-Facing Convertible with Seat Belt
High-Back Booster Seat
Using a Backless Booster Seat
When a Child Can Move Out of a Booster Seat
How Long Should a Child Stay in a Booster Seat
Infant car seat installation
Cincinnati Children's How to Install a Car Seat
Resources for More Info on Indiana Car Seat Safety
With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!
To contact me directly please click here.
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