Seat belts and child seats in Indiana (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: In Indiana the driver and all passengers must wear seat belts at all times. Children under 8 must ride in a child safety seat or booster seat used according to the manufacturer's instructions; a booster is for children of at least 40 lb and needs a lap-and-shoulder belt.
| 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 properly restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat, used according to the manufacturer's instructions. [2] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Booster seat untilPassenger cars | Children under 8 must ride in a child safety seat or booster seat used according to the manufacturer's instructions, which are based on height and weight. A booster may be used from at least 40 lb and only with a lap-and-shoulder belt. [2] |
Notes
- Taken from an Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles or Indiana State Police page; the statute text (IC 9-19-10 and IC 9-19-11) could not be read directly. The rule for children 8 to under 16 was not confirmed.
- The Bureau of Motor Vehicles manual only quotes a National Safety Council recommendation that children under 12 ride in the back seat; no legal seating rule was found.
- The official pages read does not state a rule on rear-facing child seats and an active front passenger airbag.
Sources
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Indiana Driver’s Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (Seat Belts and Child Safety Restraints) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Indiana State Police: Child Passenger Safety (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Indiana 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | Yes, all seats | Yes, all seats | Car seat or booster under age 8 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Illinois | Yes, all seats | Yes, all seats | Restraint under 8; seat belt from 8 to 15 | No seating rule | ⚠ 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 |
| Ohio | Yes | Only children under 16 | Under 8 and under 4 ft 9 in: booster | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Indiana
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (Class B misdemeanour) · Growing at home: No (criminal offence)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (urban residential)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (enrolled in driver education)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 15
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (sold by certified retailers)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No general ban; school property barred · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.