Seat belts and child seats in Illinois (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: In Illinois the driver and every passenger in all seats must wear a seat belt. Children under 8 need an appropriate child restraint system, which may be a booster seat, and from 8 to 15 a seat belt. Not wearing a seat belt is a petty offence with a fine of up to $25.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | Children under 8 must be in an appropriate child restraint system (including a booster seat); children under 2 must be rear-facing unless they weigh 40 lb or more or are 40 inches or taller. Children 8 to under 16 must be secured in a seat safety belt. [2] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | Section 4 sets no rule on which seat a child must use. [2] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Booster seat untilPassenger cars | Children under 8 must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system, which by law includes a booster seat. A child over 40 lb may use only a lap belt in the back seat if that seat has no lap-and-shoulder belt. [2] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | A seat-belt violation is a petty offence with a fine of up to $25. Police may not search a vehicle or its occupants solely because of this violation. [1] |
Notes
- A back seat passenger of a taxicab is exempt.
- The child restraint statute read does not state a rule on rear-facing child seats and an active front passenger airbag.
Sources
- Illinois General Assembly: 625 ILCS 5/12-603.1 Driver and passenger required to use safety belts, exceptions and penalty (Internet Archive snapshot of 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Illinois General Assembly: 625 ILCS 25/4 Child Passenger Protection Act, Sec. 4 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Illinois and neighbouring states
| State | Seat belt compulsory in front seats | Seat belt compulsory in rear seats | Child restraint required until | Children in the front seat | Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Yes, all seats | Yes, all seats | Restraint under 8; seat belt from 8 to 15 | No seating rule | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Iowa | Yes | Under 18 only | Child seat under 6; seat or belt to 18 | No seating rule | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Indiana | Yes, all seats | Yes, all seats | Car seat or booster under age 8 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Kentucky | Yes, all occupants (vehicles built after 1981) | Yes, all occupants (vehicles built after 1981) | Seat to 40 in; booster under 8 and 40-57 in | No front-seat restriction in the statute | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Michigan | Yes | Adults: no; under 16: yes | Child seat, then booster to 4 ft 9 in or 8; belt under 13 | Rear seat if available (under 13) | No: only if the front air bag is deactivated |
| Missouri | Yes, driver and front-seat passengers | No for adults; children under 16 must be secured | Seat under 4 or 40 lb; booster to age 8, 80 lb, 4 ft 9 in | No general front-seat rule; overflow children sit behind | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wisconsin | Yes | Yes | Under 8 (booster to 80 lb or 57 in) | Young children: back seat if the vehicle has one | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Illinois
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for 21+ within limits · Growing at home: No (medical patients only)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (15 in alleys) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (initial licensing phase) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (permit, enrolled in driver education)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (permitted displays only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Only with intent to use unlawfully · Locking or one-handed knives: Banned unless FOID holder or trade
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour (age 18+)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed (hands-free or one-button)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.