When you’re a parent, you want the best for your children. That includes making sure they are properly restrained in vehicles. And as it turns out, Indiana is one of the states that has a law in place requiring car seats for all children under the age of 8 years old. If you’re not sure whether your child is current with their car seat requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out to an Indiana car seat law attorney. They can help guide you through the process and make sure your child is safe while traveling in a motor vehicle.
What is the car seat law in Indiana?
Indiana’s car seat law is designed to protect infants and children from injuries in a crash. The law requires that all passengers in a vehicle, including the driver, be properly restrained. Children under the age of 2 must be restrained in a child safety seat or Secure Base Device (SBD) according to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions. Infants 2 to 4 years old must be restrained in a rear-facing car seat and juveniles 5 to 12 years old must be restrained in a forward-facing car seat or SBD. Children 13 and older should use an adult-sized restraint, such as a belt system, harness system, or bucket seat. Violations of the car seat law can result in fines of up to $200 for each violation.
What is a certified car seat?
A certified car seat is a car seat that has been approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as being safe for use in rear-end collisions. A certified car seat is also known as a crash tested car seat. The certification process involves testing the car seat against the NHTSA’s child safety seats standards in both frontal and side impact crashes.
What are the requirements for a car seat?
There are a few requirements for a car seat that every parent should know in order to make sure their child is as safe as possible while traveling in a vehicle. The first requirement is that the car seat must be effective in preventing head and neck injuries in the event of a crash. Additionally, the car seat must be designed to fit properly in the vehicle and meet all applicable safety standards. Finally, parents should read and follow all instructions provided with the car seat.
What are the consequences of not following the car seat law in Indiana?
If you are not following Indiana’s car seat law, there are serious consequences that may occur. This law requires all children under the age of 8 to be using a car seat or booster seat in order to be safe in a moving vehicle. If you are found guilty of violating this law, you could face a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both. The consequences of not following this law can be very serious for your child and your family.
By not using a properly fitted car seat, your child is at risk for severe injury in a crash. A properly fitted car seat will protect your child from spinal cord injuries and death in a crash. Not following the car seat law can also result in fines from the state government and possible custody issues if you are found guilty of violating the law. Failing to use a car seat can also result in your child being removed from your care by Child Protective Services (CPS).
If you have any questions about the car seat laws in Indiana, please contact our office at (317) 232-3400. Our experts will be able to answer any questions you may have about using a car seat or boosterseat correctly.
Who can install a car seat in Indiana?
In Indiana, anyone 18 years or older can install a car seat in a vehicle. Parents or guardians must be present when the car seat is installed. Children under the age of one must be secured in a child safety seat or booster seat if they are not in a rear-facing installation.
What are some of the exemptions to the car seat law in Indiana?
There are a few exemptions to the Indiana car seat law, which require children under the age of 4 to be in a child safety seat or booster seat while travelling in a vehicle. The following are some of the exemptions:
Conclusion
If you are planning on traveling with your new baby in the car, it is important to be aware of the Indiana car seat law. The law requires that all children younger than one year old ride in a rear-facing seat. Children between one and four years old should ride in a Child Passenger Safety Seat (CPS), which is usually a booster or harness type restraint. After four years of age, children may use a regular car seat, but they must still be restrained by an appropriate safety belt or device. If you have any questions about the Indiana car seat law, please don’t hesitate to contact your local police department or child passenger safety center.