In the state of Illinois, all children under the age of 8 must be in an appropriate car seat or booster seat. The law does not stipulate a preference on front or rear seating for children, although children under the age of 8 and weighing more than 40 pounds may use a lap belt in the back seat provided there are no shoulder belts available to use with a booster seat. Children ages 8 through 15 may use the vehicle's lap and shoulder seat belt. Parents must provide car safety seats to anyone who may transport their children.
Compliance with the Illinois car seat law requires you to have your children in an appropriate car seat. The car seat manufacturer will state the exact age and weight for each type of car seat, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has the following recommendations. A rear-facing infant seat should be used in the back seat of the vehicle until the child reaches the age of 1 and weighs 20 pounds. Toddlers may use a full-harness car seat that faces forward. Parents should use this type of car seat until the child reaches 40 pounds or the age of 4. Children who have surpassed the requirements for a full-harness car seat can move into a booster seat. The booster seat elevates the child to a height that allows the lap and shoulder belts in the vehicle to fit properly.
Law enforcement officials in Illinois have the authority to pull over any driver that may have violated the car safety seat or seat belt laws. Fines include a $50 maximum for a first offense, and $100 for each subsequent offense in 2010. Starting in 2011, the first offense maximum increases to $75. Violators who provide proof of a car seat purchase may have the fine reduced or the ticket dismissed.
