From CyberIllinois --- Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions

What is an appropriate child restraint system?
It is more commonly referred to as a child safety seat. Child safety seats include infant seats, convertible seats (rear facing for infants and forward facing for toddlers) and booster seats.

How do I know if my seat is appropriate for my child?
All child safety seats should have informational stickers on the side of the seat stating weight and height limits for that seat. You should also refer to the child seat instruction manual that came with the seat.

My 7 year old child is too large for her booster seat, what should I do?
Typically, booster seats are for children weighing between 40 and 80 pounds, usually between the ages of 4 and 8years old. There are booster seats available for children weighing over 80 pounds.

Are child safety seats required in taxicabs?
No, commercial vehicles are exempt.

My vehicle has only a lap belt system, what do I do?
If your child is over 40 pounds they may be transported in the back seat without a booster seat if the back seat of your vehicle is only equipped with lap belts. Booster seats should only be used with a lap/shoulder belt combination.

Does this law apply to my 14 year old?
Yes, the Child Passenger Protection act applies to all children under the age of 19 years old. Children between the ages of 8 and 16 years old must be secured in a properly adjusted safety belt in any position in the vehicle. The safest place for any child 12 years and under is in the back seat. Also, keep in mind that Illinois has a primary safety belt law, which means that front seat passengers and the driver must also be properly restrained.

I have a 6 year old who weighs 45 pounds. The back seat of my vehicle has a lap belt only in the middle seat position and lap/shoulder belt combination in the 2 side positions. Can I put my child in the middle position with the lap belt only and no booster seat?
No. If the 2 side positions are available with the lap/shoulder belt system, you must put your child in a booster seat with the lap/ shoulder belt properly secured.


Do the child passenger safety laws apply to my 5 year old child when riding in a RV?
Answer: Yes, any person transporting a child under the age of 8 years old in a recreational vehicle on the roadways, streets or highways of the state of Illinois is responsible for securing him or her in an appropriate child restraint system.

Source: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/programs/kiss.html