Indiana Child Passenger Law

Children are required to ride properly restrained in a child restraint, which can include a belt positioning booster seat, until they reach their 8th birthday. (This does not include shoulder belt positioners.)

If at court proceedings, a driver who has received a violation under this code possesses or has acquired a child restraint system, the driver is not liable for any costs or monetary judgment if the person has no previous judgments of violation of this chapter against the person.

Fees collected from violations will be entered into a fund to purchase child restraints for low income families throughout Indiana

Exemptions:

• If all lap/shoulder seat belts are being used for other children, then a child over 40 lbs. may ride in a lap only seat belt without a child restraint. (Booster seats cannot be safely used with a lap only seat belt.)
• This chapter (9-19-11-1) Does not apply to a person who operates any of the following vehicles:
  (1) A school Bus
  (2) A taxicab
  (3) An ambulance.
  (4) A public passenger bus.
  (5) A motor vehicle having a seating capacity greater than nine (9) individuals that is owned or leased and operated by a religious or not-for-profit youth organization.
  (6) An antique motor vehicle.
  (7) A motorcycle.
  (8) A motor vehicle that is owned or leased by a governmental unit and is being used in the performance of official law enforcement duties.
  (9) A motor vehicle that is being used in an emergency.

Children at least 8 years old until their 16th birthday are required to ride properly restrained in a child restraint system or seat belt in all seating positions in all vehicles.

Law effective July 1, 2005