Indiana has one of the more parent-friendly enforcement approaches in the country — if you get a child restraint ticket, you can generally avoid the $25 fine entirely by installing an appropriate car seat within 30 days. That’s not common among states. But the flip side is that Indiana’s low fine ($25) and the ease of dismissal may lead some parents to underestimate the seriousness of the requirements. The law requires a child restraint through age 8, mandates the back seat for children 12 and under, and Indiana achieved a 93.6% seat belt usage rate in 2024 — one of the highest in the Midwest.
Indiana’s traffic fatalities decreased by nearly 5% in 2024 compared to the prior year, with 42 fewer lives lost. But distracted driving and speeding still caused over 17,000 crashes and 230 deaths statewide. Indiana saw a record 949 traffic fatalities in 2022, and while the trend has improved, the numbers remain concerning — particularly for pedestrians, whose crash numbers hit a five-year high.
This guide breaks down every requirement in Indiana’s current child passenger safety law, explains the fines and enforcement rules, covers special situations, and answers the most common questions parents ask.
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Indiana car seat laws by age
Indiana’s child restraint statute (IC 9-19-11) requires all children under 8 to be in a federally approved child restraint system:
Rear-facing (birth to age 1 or under 20–40 lbs): Indiana law doesn’t specify a rear-facing age in the statute, but the Indiana State Police and Criminal Justice Institute recommend rear-facing until at least age 2. The AAP recommends rear-facing as long as the seat’s limits allow — most modern convertible seats rear-face to 40–50 pounds.
Forward-facing with harness (ages 1–4+): After outgrowing the rear-facing position, children should ride in a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness until they reach the seat’s maximum height or weight limits (typically 40–65 pounds). Indiana law requires a child restraint through age 8, and best practice is to stay harnessed as long as the seat allows.
Booster seat (ages 4–8, under 4’9″): Children under 8 who have outgrown a harnessed seat must use a belt-positioning booster seat. Indiana requires that booster seats be used with a lap-and-shoulder belt — use with a lap-only belt is prohibited. The booster ensures proper belt fit across the child’s chest and hips.
Seat belt (ages 8–16): Children 8 and older through age 15 must wear a seat belt. All passengers in Indiana must be belted.
Back seat requirement (under 13): Indiana law specifies that children 12 and under must sit in the rear seat of the vehicle if one is available. This is a legal requirement, not just a recommendation.
If you’re not sure which seat fits your child’s current stage, our best-rated convertible car seats guide covers every transition from rear-facing infant through booster-ready child.
Fines and enforcement
Indiana’s child restraint violations carry modest financial penalties:
Fine: $25 plus court costs (Class D infraction).
Fine waiver: Indiana generally allows the fine and court costs to be avoided if you install an appropriate child restraint system within 30 days of the citation.
Indiana’s child restraint law is a primary enforcement law — an officer can pull you over solely for observing an improperly restrained child.
No points are assessed on your driver’s license for a child restraint violation in Indiana.
Special situations
Taxis: Indiana exempts taxis and for-hire vehicles from child restraint requirements when transporting passengers for hire. However, the safest practice is always to use a car seat.
Rideshares (Uber/Lyft): Rideshare vehicles are not explicitly exempt from Indiana’s child restraint law. If you’re traveling with a child, bring an appropriate car seat.
Vehicles without back seats: If the vehicle has no rear seat, a child may ride in the front seat with an appropriate restraint — but never in front of an active airbag in a rear-facing seat.
Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle: Indiana law makes it a Class C misdemeanor to leave a child under 8 unattended in a vehicle if it creates a substantial risk to the child’s life or health.
Smoking in a vehicle with children: Indiana does not have a specific law prohibiting smoking in a vehicle with child passengers.
Car seat replacement after a crash: No state law requires it, but NHTSA and all major manufacturers recommend replacing any seat involved in a moderate-to-severe crash.
What to do if you get a ticket
1. Get the correct car seat within 30 days. Indiana is one of the few states that routinely allows the fine to be waived if you demonstrate compliance within 30 days.
2. Get it inspected. Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis and Safe Kids Indiana coalitions across the state offer car seat inspection events. Many Indiana fire departments also provide inspections by appointment. You can also find a certified technician through the NHTSA technician locator.
3. Bring documentation to court. A receipt for the new seat and proof of proper installation can get the fine dismissed.
If you need a free or low-cost car seat, check our guide to free car seats in Indiana for verified programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can my child sit in the front seat in Indiana?
Indiana law requires children 12 and under to ride in the rear seat if one is available. Once a child turns 13, they can legally ride in the front seat. Any child in a rear-facing seat must never be placed in front of an active airbag.
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Indiana?
$25 plus court costs. The fine is typically waived if you install an appropriate car seat within 30 days. No points are added to your license.
Does Indiana require rear-facing until age 2?
No — Indiana’s statute doesn’t specify a rear-facing age requirement. However, the Indiana State Police and AAP strongly recommend rear-facing until at least age 2. Our best-rated convertible car seats guide includes seats that rear-face to 40–50 pounds.
Are taxis exempt from car seat laws in Indiana?
Yes — taxis and for-hire vehicles are exempt when transporting passengers for hire. Rideshare vehicles are not explicitly exempt. Always bring a car seat when traveling with a child.
Can I use a secondhand car seat in Indiana?
Indiana doesn’t prohibit used car seats, but verify the seat hasn’t been in a crash, isn’t expired, isn’t recalled, and has all original parts. Check the NHTSA recall database before using any secondhand seat. Our guide on what to do with old car seats covers safe disposal options.
Where can I get my car seat inspected in Indiana?
Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis is a top resource. Safe Kids Indiana coalitions in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Evansville hold regular events. Many Indiana fire departments offer inspections by appointment. Find a certified CPS technician near you through NHTSA’s locator.
