July 2, 2025 | Car Accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death for children in the United States. To help keep kids safe, Illinois has specific laws about how children should be buckled up in vehicles. These laws are meant to protect children at different stages of growth, from newborns to teenagers.
If you’re a parent, guardian, or caregiver in Illinois, it’s important to understand how these laws work. Following the law not only helps prevent serious injuries, but it also protects you from fines and legal trouble. This article explains Illinois car seat laws in simple terms so you can keep your family safe and compliant with the law.
What the Illinois Car Seat Law Says
Illinois law requires that all children under the age of 8 be secured in an appropriate child safety seat when riding in a vehicle. This law applies whether you’re driving a car, SUV, or truck on a city street or highway.
The law was updated in 2019 to include a stricter rule for younger children. Now, children under age two must ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless they weigh more than 40 pounds or are taller than 40 inches. After age 2, children can begin using a forward-facing seat, but it must still be appropriate for their size and weight.
As children grow, they may move to a booster seat, which raises them up higher so the seatbelt fits properly.
Rear-Facing Car Seats for Babies and Toddlers
Babies and toddlers are safest in rear-facing car seats. During a crash, these seats support a child’s head, neck, and spine. That’s why Illinois requires children under age two to ride rear-facing unless they are big enough to move on.
Rear-facing seats are usually designed for babies from birth until about age two or until they hit the seat’s weight or height limit. This kind of seat should be installed in the back seat of the vehicle, never the front.
Forward-Facing Car Seats for Preschoolers
Once a child outgrows the rear-facing seat, they can move to a forward-facing seat with a 5-point harness. These harnesses help keep your child secure and reduce movement during a crash.
Children usually use forward-facing seats from around age 2 to at least 5, but this can vary based on the child’s size. Some seats are designed to hold children up to 65 pounds, so it’s important to check the seat’s instructions.
Booster Seats for Older Children
After outgrowing the forward-facing seat, children should ride in a booster seat until they are at least 8 years old and tall enough to properly use a regular seat belt. A booster seat raises the child up higher so the seatbelt fits across their chest and hips, not their neck or stomach. Without a booster, the seatbelt could cause injuries in a crash.
The booster stage usually lasts until a child is between 10 and 12 years old, depending on their height and weight. Children should stay in a booster seat until the vehicle’s seatbelt fits them correctly without it. Even when your child no longer needs a booster, they should still ride in the back seat, which is the safest spot in the vehicle for children under 13.
Penalties for Breaking Car Seat Laws
If a driver in Illinois is caught not following the child car seat laws, they may be given a traffic ticket. The first offense can result in a fine; a second offense may come with an even larger fine. Drivers may also have points added to their license and could see increased car insurance rates.
More importantly, breaking these laws puts children at serious risk during a crash. These penalties aim to encourage parents and caregivers to follow the law and keep children as safe as possible on the road.
Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyer at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Illinois car seat laws are not just about following the rules—they are about keeping children safe. Car seats and booster seats are proven to reduce the risk of serious injury and death in car crashes. By understanding the law and using the correct seat for your child’s age and size, you’re taking a big step toward protecting them on the road.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
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