The Hoosier State is home to acres of vast farmland, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the famous town of Santa Claus — where thousands of children send letters each year.
Whether you’ve lived here your entire life or are a recent transplant, Indiana is a state with plenty to explore for kids and adults of all ages. But before you buckle up your kids and head out on your next adventure, take a minute to make sure that you’re in compliance with Indiana car seat laws.
Overview of Indiana Car Seat Laws
Like many states, Indiana requires children to move through a few stages before they may sit in the car with a standard seat belt:
- Rear-facing car seat
- Front-facing car seat
- Booster seat
Kids under eight years old must be properly secured in a car seat or use a booster seat. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests keeping kids in booster seats until they reach a height of 4’9”.
Indiana Car Seat Requirements by Age and Size
Indiana car seat laws outline when your child may progress to a new type of car seat:
Rear-Facing Requirements
Kids must be in rear-facing seats from birth until they exceed the manufacturer’s weight or height limitations for the seat.
Forward-Facing Requirements
Once a child outgrows the rear-facing seat, they may progress to a front-facing car seat.
Booster Seat Requirements
Indiana allows kids who weigh at least 40 pounds to use a booster seat. However, many modern rear-facing seats accommodate kids up to 40 or 50 pounds. Troopers suggest that parents keep kids in car seats as long as they can safely do so.
When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in Indiana?
Indiana’s child restraint laws specify that kids 12 and under must sit in the rear seat of the vehicle if one is available.
Penalties for Violating Car Seat Laws in Indiana
If you’re ticketed for a child restraint violation in Indiana, the penalties you face are fairly lenient. Indiana classifies car seat and seat belt violations as Class D infractions, and if you’re convicted of one, you may owe a $25 fine and court costs.
However, Indiana generally allows parents to avoid fines and court costs by installing an appropriate car seat within 30 days.
Need Legal Help With a Car Seat Violation?
Whether you need help with a car seat ticket or you’re looking for the best car accident lawyer Indianapolis has to offer, ConsumerShield is here to help. We make it easy for you to connect with experienced lawyers nearby. Fill out our contact form to start with a free case evaluation!
Other indiana Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
-
No. While you might owe a fine, a car seat ticket does not add points to your license.
-
Indiana makes it easy to remedy the issue (and avoid penalties) by installing a proper car seat. However, if you continue to break the law, you might face higher fines and other penalties.
