Under Indiana law, all drivers and passengers over the age of 16 are required to wear seatbelts while vehicles are in motion. The failure to wear a seatbelt is a moving violation and could result in a traffic stop and fines, which start at $25 for first-time offenders. All passengers below the age of 16 must be properly restrained at all times. If a child is found to be unrestrained, the parent or guardian will be responsible for the fine.
There are a few exceptions to Indiana’s seat belt laws, which exempt operators of farming vehicles, those riding inside the treatment area in an ambulance, and postal employees who need to make frequent stops to deliver packages.
At Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC, we believe that it is important to highlight the role seat belts play in saving lives. We want you to understand why Indiana’s seat belt laws are important and how they could impact you.
Seat Belt and Child Restraint Laws
Seat belts were not always widely used by motorists. Despite increasing a person’s chances of survival after a significant crash, it wasn’t a habit to strap in.
Today, Indiana law requires all vehicle occupants 16 and older to be properly restrained by a seat belt. That includes the driver and passengers in both the front and back seats of the vehicle. According to state law, law enforcement officers have the authority to pull a driver over if the officer suspects a person is not buckled up.
Indiana also has child restraint laws in place meant to protect young children. Infants and young children too small to safely fit in a vehicle’s seat must be restrained in a federally approved child restraint system. These specialized car seats can be installed using a vehicle’s existing seat belts or with specially designed anchors and tethers. Choosing the right car seat and position will depend on your child’s age and size.
- Infants up to 12 months – Infants and young babies should always be placed in a rear-facing child restraint system
- Toddlers aged 1 to 3 years – Most manufacturers recommend that you keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible. When a child begins to reach the limits of your car seat’s height and weight requirements, generally around one to three years of age, it is recommended you switch to a forward-facing system with a three-point harness.
- Children aged 4 to 7 years – Once your child outgrows their forward-facing car seat, it is time to move on to a forward-facing system with a harness or booster seat.
- Children aged 8 to 12 years – Children need to remain in a booster seat system until they are big enough to comfortably sit in a vehicle’s normal seat with the seat belt positioned correctly across their lap and torso.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has valuable information on how parents can choose the right car seat for their children and install it in their vehicle correctly. The manufacturer of your car seat should also include information on the size and weight limits of their products.
Seat Belt Exemptions in Indiana
As always, there are exceptions to the rules. Indiana’s seat belt laws are no different. Drivers are exempt from Indiana’s seat belt laws when making frequent stops to deliver packages. Naturally, this exception mainly applies to postal service and package delivery workers. Drivers may also be except when traveling in a vehicle used for occupational farming or when a patient is transported by ambulance.
How Much Is the Fine for Not Wearing a Seat Belt in Indiana?
Again, law enforcement officers could pull you over if they suspect you or an occupant is not wearing a seat belt. If any occupant is caught not wearing a proper restraint, you can be fined $25 for a first offense. Failing to wear a seat belt is considered a Class D infraction. Although you can be fined, you will generally not receive demerit points on your driving record.
Consequences of Not Wearing a Seat Belt in Indiana
In all honestly, losing your life is one of the most significant consequences of not wearing a seat belt in Indiana. Seat belts save lives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in 2020, half of all passenger vehicle occupants who died in collisions were not wearing a seat belt.
Some of the most dangerous types of accidents for those who are unrestrained include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
Buckling up could protect you from significant injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Spine and spinal cord injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
Some states allow courts and insurers to reduce the amount of compensation paid to individuals injured in accidents if the person was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. This is sometimes called the “seat belt defense.” Indiana does not allow this, however. Failing to wear a seat belt cannot be used against you to diminish the value of your personal injury claim.
Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers
Were you injured in a collision in Indiana? Regardless of whether you or anyone else was wearing a seatbelt, contact an experienced attorney with Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC to discuss your case with a knowledgeable Indiana car accident lawyer today.
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