Illinois Child Front-Seat Law: Age and Height Requirements

Under Illinois law, children must ride in the back seat until they meet one of two criteria:

• Age 8 or older, OR
• Height exceeding 4 feet 9 inches (57 inches / 145 cm)

Details

Children under 8 must be secured in a federally approved child restraint system (car seat or booster) in a rear passenger seating position. The law applies to all vehicles equipped with rear seats.

Once a child turns 8 or reaches 4'9", they may legally sit in the front seat using the vehicle's seat belt—though safety experts recommend keeping children in the back until age 13.

Penalties

Violations carry a $75 fine for a first offense (court supervision eligible) and $200 for subsequent offenses. The driver is responsible regardless of vehicle ownership.

Source: Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 25/4 (Child Passenger Protection Act).