Illinois’s Child Safety Seat and Seatbelt Laws

As vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for children four-to-14 years old, Illinois requires child passengers to use proper safety restraint systems. The proper restraint depends on the child's height, weight, and age. Failure to comply with the restraint requirements will result in fines, fees, and possibly driver's license points.

Illinois's Child Seat Laws

All Illinois children under eight years old must be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system. Child restraints include booster seats and front- and rear-facing harness systems. The Illinois Department of Transportation issued the following recommendations.

Children Under Two Years Old

Illinois law generally requires children who are younger than two years old to be properly secured in a rear-facing harness system. Children who are younger than two but at least 40 pounds or at least 40 inches tall may use a forward-facing seat.

Cars Without Shoulder Straps

If the vehicle is not equipped with shoulder-strap seat belts, a child weighing at least 40 pounds may ride in the rear seat with only a lap belt.

Child Seat Medical Exceptions

An exception to the normal child restraint rule also exists if a physician has advised against child restraints due to a specified medical condition.

Illinois's Seatbelt Laws for Children

After growing out of a booster seat, all children must still wear seat belts until they are at least 16 years old. However, if the driver is a minor, all passengers under 19 years old must wear proper seat belts.

Penalties for Child Seat and Seatbelt Tickets

A child restraint violation will result in a petty offense fine of $75. A second offense carries a $200 fine. Violators who hold a graduated license, such as an instruction permit, will receive ten demerit points per violation.

The court is authorized to dismiss the charges if the violator acquires and installs an appropriate car seat and completes a child passenger safety instructional course. This option is not available to repeat offenders.

More Information and Resources

For more information about child restraint systems, check the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control. It's also a good idea to register your car seat to be notified regarding recalls.