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 20lbs. must be secured in a rear-facing child restraint
system
•
A child age 1 up to 6 years old must be secured in achild 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 achild restraint system or by a safety belt
•
Rear seat occupants up to age 18 must be secured bya 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-movingviolation) 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 withthe manufacturer’s instructions
•
The child must be secured in the child restraint and the childrestraint must be properly secured to the vehicle
•
Non-use of a child restraint is probable cause to stop avehicle
•
An officer may investigate a suspected violation•
For unrestrained passengers age 0-13, the driver receivesthe 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 frontpassenger seat (where they must be restrained)
•
Children for whom a seat belt is not available due to all otherbelts 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