Children aged 8 to 16 must be restrained by what?

In Indiana, the law requires that children aged 8 to 16 be restrained by a safety belt when riding in a vehicle. This requirement reflects the understanding that at this age, most children are generally tall and mature enough to safely use an adult safety belt while still benefiting from proper seat positioning. The law aims to ensure the safety of children by mandating that they are properly restrained to minimize injury risk in the event of a crash.

A booster seat is typically used for younger children (under 8 years old) who have outgrown traditional car seats but are not yet tall enough for the vehicle’s seat belt to fit correctly. A car seat is also intended for younger children and is not suited for the 8 to 16 age range. A harness may provide additional security for younger children in car seats or might be considered for specific cases, but it is not the standard restraint required by law for children 8 years and older.