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 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 Infant/Toddler Car Seat Law
Children under the age of 12 months and 20 pounds are required to travel in rear-facing car seats.
Indiana Rear-facing Car Seat Law
Children should be kept in rear-facing car seats for as long as they are comfortable in it. Indianan laws require you to follow the seat manufacturer’s instructions.
Indiana Forward-facing Car Seat Law
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 doesn’t have an age or weight number when you are required to start using a booster seat. Generally, when kids outgrow the height and weight limit mentioned by car seat manufacturers for forward-facing seats, they can use seat boosters. This usually happens by the age of 8-12.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Indiana?
Indiana law says that your child has to travel in the back seat until the age of 8. It is legal after that age for your child to travel in the front seat. However, experts say your child should travel in the back seat until the age of 13. Sometimes laws aren’t aligned with experts’ recommendations.
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!
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