Car Seat Laws in Indiana
Indiana requires children under 13 to sit in the back seat when available.
Rear-Facing
Until age 2 or RF seat limit (recommended)
State law requires rear-facing for children under 1
Forward-Facing
Age 2–7 or FF seat limit
Harnessed car seat required
Booster Seat
Ages 8–12 in back seat or until 4'9"
Back seat preferred for children under 13
Seat Belt Only
Age 8+ with seat belt; all under 16 must be restrained
Seat belt must fit properly across chest and hips — not across the neck
Fine for Violations
Up to $25 per violation
⚠️ Law vs. AAP Recommendations
State law sets the legal minimum. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping children rear-facing as long as possible within the seat's weight and height limits — often beyond the legal minimum age. Always follow the seat manufacturer's guidelines and AAP recommendations for maximum safety.
📋 Legal Source
Indiana Code §9-19-11