A New Child Car Seat Law Takes Effect In Illinois In 2019

Illinois is ringing the new year with a new child-related law that could cost someone up to more than $2,500 if broken.

Effective January 1, 2019, children under the age of 2-years-old must be properly secured in a rear-facing child restraint unless they weigh more than 40 pounds or are more than 40 inches tall.

According to Illinois State Police,

Children riding rear-facing may use a rear-facing only car seat or a convertible car seat installed rear-facing. Always follow the car seat manufacturers harnessing instructions and height and weight limitations for a rear-facing installation.

And, the following instructions must be followed to the child rider to be deemed "safe.

Never install a rear-facing safety seat in front of an active airbag.

Follow the recline indicator for rear-facing installation.

The child’s head may need at least 1 inch or more below the top of the safety seat when rear-facing.

Use the harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level when rear-facing.

Harness straps must be snug on the child; the harness clip should be at armpit level.

Obviously, kids will outgrow car seats and booster seats but there are still laws for children 12 and younger.

Keep children in rear-facing safety seats as long as possible.

Keep children in the back seat at least through age 12.

Never place a rear-facing safety seat in front of an active airbag.

A used safety seat may not be safe unless you know the history of the seat and all labels, parts, and instructions are present.

Always register your safety seat with the manufacturer so you can be notified of recalls.

Do not use a safety seat that is more than six years old or past the expiration date stamped on the seat.

Non-regulated products such as toys attached to the safety seat, mirrors, window shades, and belt-tightening tools are not recommended unless the safety seat manufacturer allows their use.

All objects in the vehicle should be stowed in the trunk or tied down, as they can become projectiles if a crash or sudden stop occurs.

If you're caught "Endangering the Life or Health of a Child and Leaving a Child Unattended In a Car" you could face fines up to $25,000 and jail time. Learn more about off of Illinois' laws pertaining to children in vehicles.

JB Love is ½ of  Q98.5's Lil Zim & JB In The Morning, weekday mornings from 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.