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Iowa Car Seat Laws (2021): Current Laws & Safety Resources for Parents

January 15, 2021 by Sam Webster Leave a Comment

Did you know that Iowa has the fourth-highest child car crash fatality rate in the US? And that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013 vehicle-related accidents costed Iowa almost $400 million?

The best way to prevent the loss of precious lives is through better understating of traffic laws. Luckily, there are many places you can look for instructions on how to keep your child safe on the road. In this comprehensive article we cover laws and tips for road safety to keep your little ones safe.

Quick Navigation
Iowa Car Seat Law:
Iowa Rear-facing Car Seat Law
Iowa Forward-facing Car Seat Law
Child Booster Seat Laws in Iowa
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Iowa?
Leaving Child in Car Law in Iowa
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Iowa?
Taxi Car Seat Law in Iowa
Places to Get Car Seat Help Near Me
Good Car Seat Safety Videos
Resources for More Info

Iowa Car Seat Law

Iowa law reads:

“A child under one year of age and weighing less than twenty pounds who is being transported in a motor vehicle subject to registration, except a school bus or motorcycle, shall be secured during transit in a rear-facing child restraint system that is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.”

Iowa Rear-facing Car Seat Law

Children under the age of 12 months and 20 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing car seat. The rear-facing car seat should be placed in the back seat of the car.

Iowa Forward-facing Car Seat Law

After exceeding the safety limit of the rear-facing car seat, you should secure your child in the forward-facing seat. Please refer to the seat manufacturer’s guideline for using the forward-facing seat. Experts recommend that you use a forward-facing seat until the age of 4.

Child Booster Seat Laws in Iowa

Iowa law doesn’t specifically mention booster car seats or the age until you should use the booster car seat. Experts recommend that you focus on weight and height of the seat limit. Keep using the booster seat until your child is within the height and weight limit mentioned by the car seat manufacturer is considered a safe practice. Captain Scott of Dubuque Police Department put it like this “I often tell people to focus more on the height/weight parameters of the seat (versus the child's age, since children grow at varying rates)”

When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Iowa?

It is recommended that you consider having your child in the front seat safe after the age of 12. Although, using the back seat for as long as possible is a good idea.

Leaving Child in Car Law in Iowa

Iowa doesn’t have specific laws that deal with leaving children alone in the cars. While Iowa don't have a specific law for that particular act - they do have a child endangerment law that would likely apply (or more serious laws that could apply depending on whether injury or death occur).

Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Iowa?

It is not illegal in Iowa to smoke in a car with child passengers.

Taxi Car Seat Law in Iowa

Taxis are not responsible for implementing the law. Instead, it’s the responsibility of the parents. Iowa laws say the guardian or the parents will be charged for negligence instead of the taxi driver.

Places to Get Car Seat Help Near Me

  • Blank Children’s Hospital Car Seat Installation Assistance
  • NHTSA Car Seat Inspection Stations
  • Johnston City Car Seat Inspection Program
  • City of Urbandale Car Seat Inspections
  • Newtown Child Safety Seat Inspections
  • Iowa City Child safety seat inspection
  • City of Dubuque Child Passenger Safety Project
  • North Liberty Fire Department Child Safety Seats
  • Cedar Rapids Police Department Child Safety Seats
  • City of Indiana Seat installation and inspection program
  • Scott County Child Passenger Safety
  • Coralville Car Seat Safety 
  • Webster City Fire Department child seat installation program
  • Winneshiek Medical Center Car Seat Safety Checks
  • Marshalltown Police Department at 641-754-5725
  • Waukee Fire Department Car Seat Safety Inspections

Good Car Seat Safety Videos

Blank Children's Hospital Car Seat Safety

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia’s Booster Seat Safety

American Automobile Association: When a Child Can Move Out of a Booster Seat

 How to secure your car seat by Safe Kids Worldwide

Cincinnati Children's How to Install a Car Seat

Resources for More Info

  • The Pediatrician's Guide to Car Seats
  • Iowa State Laws VS National Safety Recommendations 
  • The Pediatrician's Guide to Car Seats
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • CDC’s Child Passenger Safety
  • Blank Children’s Hospital Guide for Parents
  • American Academy of Pediatrics Car Seat Recommendations
  • IIHS Child Safety
  • University of Iowa Child passenger safety
  • Child restraint law guide
  • City of Ankeny Police Department FAQ’s

Kansas Car Seat Laws (2021): Current Laws & Safety Resources for Parents

Tennessee Car Seat Laws (2021): Current Laws & Safety Resources for Parents

Mississippi Car Seat Laws (2021): Current Laws & Safety Resources for Parents

Missouri Car Seat Laws (2021): Current Laws & Safety Resources for Parents

South Dakota Car Seat Laws (2021): Current Laws & Safety Resources for Parents

Vermont Car Seat Laws (2021): Current Laws & Safety Resources for Parents

Sam Webster

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.

Filed Under: Safety Resources

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Hey! I’m Sam, mom of Sadie and Xavier.

When I started searching for a convertible car seat I was overwhelmed by the choices out there.

But being a research nerd, I relished the challenge of finding the best seat for my needs. And in the process, I gathered a ton of info!

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