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Car seat & booster law

Indiana

Verified · JUN 2026

Quick answer · Indiana

A car seat or booster is required until your child is 8 years old.

A child less than 8 years of age must be properly fastened and restrained in a child restraint system according to the manufacturer's instructions. From age 8 through 16, a seat belt is required.

Rear-facing per seat Forward per seat Booster < 8 yr Belt 8+ yr
Ind. Code § 9-19-11-2 Read the statute

Car seat law checker

The legally required restraint, by state.

3 yrs

General information, not legal advice.

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Required vs recommended

What the law enforces, and what pediatricians advise. They are not the same.

The law requires

Minimum, or it's enforceable

Rear-facing until
Not specified by law
Booster until
Age 8
Back seat
Not required

Pediatricians recommend

AAP — safer, not the law

Rear-facing until
To seat limit (often age 2+)
Booster until
4'9" — typically age 8–12
Back seat
Until age 13

AAP guidance is a safety best practice and is separate from Indiana's legal minimum, which ends at age 8 with no height rule. Pediatricians recommend a booster until the seat belt actually fits, often around 4 feet 9 inches.

Every stage, by the law

Dual units shown throughout (in + cm, lb + kg). Rows marked Guidance are best practice, not a statutory requirement in Indiana.

Rear-facing Guidance
Age
Infant (per seat)
Forward-facing Guidance
Age
Toddler (per seat)
Booster Ind. Code § 9-19-11-2
Age
until 8 yr
Seat belt Ind. Code § 9-19-11-2
Age
8 yr +
Back seat Guidance
Age
Recommended < 13

Frequently asked questions

What is the car seat law in Indiana in 2026?
A child less than 8 years of age must be properly fastened and restrained in a child restraint system according to the manufacturer's instructions. From age 8 through 16, a seat belt is required.
Does Indiana have a 4'9" booster rule?
No. Indiana releases a child from the child restraint requirement at age 8, with no separate height threshold. Pediatricians still recommend a booster until the seat belt fits, usually around 4 feet 9 inches.
Does Indiana require a rear-facing car seat to a certain age?
No. Indiana law does not set a rear-facing age. The law requires a child under 8 to be in a child restraint system that meets federal standards and is used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pediatricians recommend keeping a child rear-facing as long as the seat allows.
Are taxis and Uber or Lyft rides exempt from Indiana's car seat law?
No. Indiana does not have a general taxi or rideshare exemption, so the child restraint rules still apply. The only exemption is for a child whom a physician, physician's assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse certifies cannot use a child restraint due to a physical or medical condition.

Sources

Verified · JUN 2026

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