Children who are shorter than 4'9" and age 7 or younger must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system. Height and weight limits are determined by the car seat/booster seat manufacturer. An appropriate system:
- Fits the child
- Fits the vehicle
- Is used according to the manufacturer's guidelines
Children younger than age 2 must ride rear-facing, and a restraint must be provided by a parent or legal guardian. Every person transporting a child under age 8 is responsible for properly securing the child. Exemptions include children weighing more than 40 pounds, children taller than 40 inches and children transported in vehicles weighing more than 9,000 pounds.
Infants and children should not wear snowsuits, coats or jackets while sitting in their child safety seats. The harness strap should be secure on your child’s chest while sitting in their seat. If the child is wearing a jacket, they are not tightly secured and it is dangerous for them. Use the pinch test in which you check for excess slack in the harness by pinching it with your thumb and forefinger. If there is slack in the shoulder harness when you pinch it then it needs tightening. When the infant/child enters the vehicle, remove their jacket and place them in their seat, tightly secure the harness and cover them with a blanket or two.
For more information, please read the Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act brochure,"A Parent's Guide to Using Seat Belts," or "Choosing the Right Car Seat," or visit www.buckleupillinois.org.
