A Guide To The Iowa Child Restraint Law - Iowa Department Of Public Safety

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A GUIDE TO THE IOWA
CHILD RESTRAINT LAW
Iowa Code 321.446, Data Code 198a - as of July 2010
Key Points:
• A child under 1 year old and weighing less than 20
lbs. must be secured in a rear-facing child restraint
system
• A child age 1 up to 6 years old must be secured in a
child restraint system (a safety seat or booster seat--
NOT a seat belt)
• A child from age 6 up to age 11 must be secured in a
child restraint system or by a safety belt
• Rear seat occupants up to age 18 must be secured by
a safety belt
A “child restraint system” is a specially designed seating
system, including a belt positioning seat or a booster seat
that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.
• The misdemeanor fine is $100.00, plus costs (non-moving
violation) totaling at least $195.00
• The law applies to both residents and non-residents of Iowa
• The child restraint system must be used in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions
• The child must be secured in the child restraint and the child
restraint must be properly secured to the vehicle
• Non-use of a child restraint is probable cause to stop a
vehicle
• An officer may investigate a suspected violation
• For unrestrained passengers age 0-13, the driver receives
the citation, and for unrestrained passengers 14-17, the
passenger receives the citation
• 1st offense citation will not result in conviction if driver
"produces in court” proof of acquisition of child restraint
Exceptions:
• Children certified by a physician as having a medical,
physical or mental disability making restraint use inadvisable
• Children on bus, including a school bus
• Children riding on motorcycles
• Children riding in vehicles manufactured before 1966
• Children transported in authorized emergency vehicles
• Children transported by peace officers on official duty
• Children riding in motor homes except if riding in the front
passenger seat (where they must be restrained)
• Children for whom a seat belt is not available due to all other
belts being used (
example: 4th child in back seat with only 3 belts)
This is only a guide, provided through the courtesy of
Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau
Department of Public Safety
Produced with Federal Highway Safety Funds
07/10
10M

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