Illinois Child Safety Seat and Seat Belt Laws

Illinois state law requires that children under the age of 8 be secured in an appropriate child safety seat, whether that be a car seat or booster seat. Children under age 8 but weighing more than 40 pounds may ride in the back seat with a lap belt only if there are not lap/shoulder belts available in the vehicle to be used with a booster seat. Illinois law also requires chlidren ages 8 to 16 be buckled in a seat belt or appropriate child car seat. Children under age 18 are required to wear a seat belt when riding in a vehicle driven by anyone under age 18.