Seat Belt Use

Children

    To be big enough to use an adult safety belt:

  • Must be 80 pounds or 4'9" and 8 years old.

  • Must be able to sit all the way back on the vehicle seat without slouching.

  • Knees must bend comfortably over the edge of the vehicle seat.

  • Lap/shoulder belt must lie flat and snug on the upper thighs and between the neck and shoulder.

  • The shoulder belt cannot be kept behind the child!

Adults

  • Wear the lap belt low and snug.

  • Wear the shoulder belt snug across chest.

  • Keep the back of the vehicle seat in its upright position.

Pregnant Women

  • Wear the lap belt below abdomen, across hips.

  • Wear the shoulder belt across chest, between breasts.

Remember

    Do not wear safety belts:

  • Behind back.

  • Across neck.

  • Over bulky clothing.

  • Loose or floppy.

  • Over face.

Indiana's Safety Belt Law

  • Anyone riding in the front seat of most vehicles must wear a safety belt.

  • Everyone 16 years and older is subject to this law unless exempted by a doctor ordered prescription.

  • Children under the age of 16 cannot ride in the bed of a pickup.

  • Violators can be fined up to $25.

  • For younger children the fine can be much higher.

Information on this page is provided by the Automotive Safety Program, supported by The Governor's Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving, Office of Traffic Safety.

 

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