Safety Seats

The Iowa Child Safety Seat Law

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 under 6 years old must be secured in a child restraint system (a safety seat or booster seat--NOT a seat belt)
A child from the age of 6 up to the age of 11 must be secured in a child restraint system or by a safety belt
UNTIL JANUARY 1, 2006, ONLY WARNINGS MAY BE ISSUED FOR THE NEW ASPECTS OF THE LAW; HOWEVER CITATIONS MAY BE ISSUED IF THE DRIVER IS NOT AT LEAST COMPLYING WITH THESE PRIOR PROVISIONS OF THE LAW:

A Citation may be issued to the driver if a child passenger is:

Under the age of 3 and not in a child restraint system
Between 3 and 6 years of age and not in a child restraint system or wearing a seat belt
Age 6 or older and not wearing a seat belt while sitting in the front seat
*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 driver is responsible for the fine
The misdemeanor fine is $25, plus costs (nonmoving violation)
The law applies to both residents and nonresidents 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
First-offense citations will not result in convictions if the driver "produces in court" proof of acquisition of a child restraint
Exceptions:

Children certified by a physician as having a medical, physical or mental disability making restraint use inadvisable
Children on a bus, including a school bus
Children riding on motorcycles
Children riding in vehicles manufactured before 1966
Children being 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)

This is only a guide, provided through the courtesy of the Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau, Department of Public Safety

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