Indiana
Indiana Car Seat Laws: Requirements and Guidelines
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 20, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · 1 primary source cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Indiana law does not set state-mandated age or weight cutoffs for rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster seats. Under Indiana Code 9-19-11-2, every child under age 8 must be restrained in a child restraint system used according to that seat's own manufacturer instructions, and children ages 8 through 15 must be secured by a child restraint system or a safety belt under Indiana Code 9-19-11-3.6.
A Summary of Child Car Seat Laws in Indiana
What Does Indiana Law Actually Require for Car Seats?
Indiana Code 9-19-11-2 requires every child under age 8 to be fastened and restrained in a child restraint system used according to that seat's own manufacturer instructions. The statute does not set a separate state age or weight cutoff for switching from rear-facing to forward-facing, and it does not set a specific weight for moving to a booster seat; the seat manufacturer's instructions control.
Children ages 8 through 15 must be secured by a child restraint system or a safety belt under Indiana Code 9-19-11-3.6.
Once a child turns 16, Indiana's general adult seat belt law applies instead of the child restraint statute.
What Do NHTSA and Safety Experts Recommend for Rear-Facing Seats in Indiana?
Indiana law does not set a rear-facing age or weight threshold; it leaves that decision to the car seat's own manufacturer instructions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend keeping children rear-facing until at least age 2, or until they exceed the seat's rear-facing height or weight limit, whichever comes later. Many convertible seats now support rear-facing use up to 40 or 50 pounds. A rear-facing seat should always be secured in the back seat and away from a functional airbag.
What Do NHTSA and Safety Experts Recommend for Forward-Facing Seats in Indiana?
Once a child outgrows the rear-facing seat's limits, Indiana law still only requires restraint according to the seat manufacturer's instructions rather than setting its own age or weight rule. NHTSA recommends keeping a child in a forward-facing seat with an internal harness until the child reaches that seat's maximum harness weight, commonly 40 to 65 pounds depending on the model. Forward-facing seats should be secured in the back seat in accordance with the accompanying manual, with the harness straps snug across the shoulders and hips.
What Do NHTSA and Safety Experts Recommend for Booster Seats in Indiana?
Indiana law does not set a specific weight for moving a child into a booster seat; that decision follows the forward-facing seat's own manufacturer weight and height limits. NHTSA recommends transitioning to a booster only after a child outgrows the forward-facing harness seat's limits, and staying in the booster until the vehicle's adult seat belt fits properly without it, typically around age 8 to 12 or a height of about 4 feet 9 inches. A booster seat raises the child so the vehicle's seat belt fits properly across the hips and chest instead of the stomach and neck. Most experts recommend using a booster seat in the rear of the vehicle together with both a shoulder belt and a lap belt.
When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in Indiana?
The car seat law in Indiana does not mention anything concerning front-seat requirements. But according to the law, children 8 years or older are allowed to ride while wearing only a seat belt. This means they can legally sit either in front or in the back seat as long as they are secured with a seat belt. However, most experts agree the back seat of the car is the safest for children and they should only sit in the front when 13 years or older. Also, the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute recommends children should only use a seat belt once they fit properly. This typically happens at a height of 4'9", and a proper fit means the shoulder belt lies snug across the chest and the lap belt crosses the upper thighs.
Is it Illegal to Leave a Child Inside a Vehicle in Indiana?
There is no law regarding leaving children in cars. However, as a parent, you should protect your child whenever possible to avoid unnecessary situations that may occur.
Can You Smoke Inside a Vehicle With a Minor Present in Indiana?
Currently (2022), you are not prohibited from smoking in a car while in the presence of children. However, the state is trying to change this law so that no smoking will be allowed inside cars that are transporting children.
Are Car Seats Required in Taxis in Indiana?
Taxis are not required to comply with the state's car seat laws.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Height and Weight Requirements for Car Seats in Indiana?
Indiana law does not set specific state-mandated height or weight thresholds for car seats. Indiana Code 9-19-11-2 requires every child under age 8 to be restrained in a child restraint system according to that seat's own manufacturer instructions, and Indiana Code 9-19-11-3.6 requires children ages 8 through 15 to be secured by a child restraint system or a safety belt.
What are the Rear Facing Car Seat Laws in Indiana?
Indiana law does not set an age or weight cutoff for rear-facing seats; children under 8 must simply be restrained according to the car seat manufacturer's instructions. NHTSA and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend staying rear-facing until at least age 2 or until the child exceeds the seat's rear-facing limits, which can be 30 to 50 pounds depending on the model.
What are the Forward Facing Car Seat Laws in Indiana?
Indiana law does not set its own age or weight rule for forward-facing seats; a child under 8 must be restrained according to the seat manufacturer's instructions. NHTSA recommends keeping a child forward-facing with a harness until reaching that seat's maximum harness weight, commonly 40 to 65 pounds, before moving to a booster.
What are the Booster Seat Laws in Indiana?
Indiana law does not set a specific weight for booster seat use; the transition follows the forward-facing seat manufacturer's own limits. NHTSA recommends moving to a booster only after a child outgrows the forward-facing harness seat, and staying in the booster until the adult seat belt fits properly without it, typically around age 8 to 12 or about 4 feet 9 inches tall.
When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in Indiana?
The car seat law in Indiana does not mention anything concerning front-seat requirements. But according to the law, children 8 years or older are allowed to ride while wearing only a seat belt. This means they can legally sit either in front or in the back seat as long as they are secured with a seat belt. However, most experts agree the back seat of the car is the safest for children and they should only sit in the front when 13 years or older.
Is it Illegal to Leave a Child Inside a Vehicle in Indiana?
There is no law regarding leaving children in cars. However, as a parent, you should protect your child whenever possible to avoid unnecessary situations that may occur.
Can You Smoke Inside a Vehicle With a Minor Present in Indiana?
Currently (2022), you are not prohibited from smoking in a car while in the presence of children. However, the state is trying to change this law so that no smoking will be allowed inside cars that are transporting children.
Are Car Seats Required in Taxis in Indiana?
Taxis are not required to comply with the state's car seat laws.
Updates
Rebuilt this page's Indiana car-seat requirements: Indiana Code 9-19-11-2 and 9-19-11-3.6 set no state age or weight cutoffs for rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster seats (they require restraint per the seat manufacturer's own instructions for children under 8, and a restraint system or seat belt for ages 8-15); the previous 'under 1 year/20 lb' and '30 lb booster' figures were not in the statute and have been replaced with the actual statutory standard plus NHTSA/AAP safety guidance clearly labeled as guidance rather than law.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
Reviewed and approved by an editor
Sources and References
- Ind. Code § 9-19-11: passenger restraint systems for children(iga.in.gov).gov