Whether you’re navigating the busy streets of Chicago or driving through the vast prairie, Illinois is a state with endless opportunities for exploration. Illinois car seat laws are more detailed and specific than those in many other states, and they’re meant to keep your kids as safe as possible — no matter where you’re headed.
Not sure if your children’s car seats are compliant? Here’s a closer look.
Overview of Illinois Car Seat Laws
In 2019, Illinois amended its car seat laws to require rear-facing car seats for very young children. These changes help protect vulnerable babies and toddlers from serious injuries, and they also bring Illinois car seats more in line with expert recommendations.
Illinois Car Seat Requirements by Age and Size
Here’s a look at Illinois car seat requirements for kids of different ages and sizes:
Rear-Facing Requirements
Illinois requires children to ride in rear-facing car seats until the age of two. However, if a child under two exceeds one or both of the following, they may graduate to a front-facing seat:
- A weight of 40 pounds or more
- A height of 40” or more
It’s important to note that a rear-facing car seat should never be placed in a seat with an active airbag. Accidents cause airbags to deploy with considerable force, and that force may be enough to seriously injure or kill a small child.
Forward-Facing Requirements
Illinois car seat laws require kids ages two to four to be in front-facing car seats (although they may stay in rear-facing seats beyond the age of two if they don’t exceed the manufacturer’s height and weight limits).
Booster Seat Requirements
Kids ages four to eight should stay in forward-facing car seats until they exceed the manufacturer’s height and weight limits. From there, they may move into a booster seat until they are tall enough to safely wear a standard seat belt.
When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in Illinois?
Illinois requires kids to ride in the back seat through age eight. However, if at all possible, it’s best to keep them in the back seat through age 12.
Penalties for Violating Car Seat Laws in Illinois
If you violate Illinois car seat laws, you may be fined $75 for a first offense and $200 for a subsequent offense.
Need Legal Help With a Car Seat Violation?
Whether you need a Chicago car accident lawyer after getting hurt in a crash or want legal advice after breaking car seat laws, ConsumerShield is here to help. We make it possible for you to connect with qualified lawyers near you without leaving your home. Fill out our contact form to get started with a free case review!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Generally, no. However, if you get more than one child restraint violation, you may face escalating fines and court fees.
