5/18/11

Illinois Rules for Child Safety Belts

  • Responsibility

    • When carrying a child 16 years of age or younger in a car on the "roadways, streets or highways," you are responsible for providing protection systems for the child and buckling him into the legally required restrain systems. If you are a parent and allow your child under age eight to ride in a car with another adult driving, you are legally responsible for providing the child restraint system to the driver.

    Weight

    • If your vehicle has lap belts only, children who weigh more than 40 pounds may ride in the back seat wearing only the lap belt. But a booster seat is needed for all children under age eight if only a combination lab and shoulder belt is installed.

    Teen Drivers

    • The Illinois State Police website explains that anyone aged 16 to 19 must buckle up when driving with a person 18 years of age or younger. Teen drivers must follow all other driver rules for passengers under the age of 16.

    Violation

    • Violators of the Child Safety Act can be fined up to $50. That fine can be waived by the court if the driver proves they have a legal child-restraint system. If you are convicted twice or more of not properly securing child passengers, you can be fined up to $100.

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