Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act
The Child Passenger Protection Act requires that all children under age 8 be properly secured in an appropriate child safety restraint system. This includes the use of booster seats, which must only be used with a lap/shoulder safety belt. If the back seat of the vehicle is not equipped with lap/shoulder type safety belts, a child weighing more than 40 pounds may be transported in the back seat without a booster seat, secured with a lap belt only.
The Round Lake Park Police Department has nationally certified Child Passenger Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians available by appointment to assist you with installation and inspection of safety seats. Contact us via this web site to schedule an appointment or call 847-546-7275 Mon – Friday between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
The Round Lake Park Police Department suggests you do the following to prepare for your safety seat inspection, parents and caretakers should :
- Install their child safety seat in their vehicle and bring their child with them for the inspection, if possible.
- Bring the instruction booklet for their child safety seat and their vehicle. If the instruction booklet is not available, contact the manufacture or visit the manufacturer’s web site for the booklet information.
- Know their child’s current weight and height. The Police Officer inspecting your child safety seat will rely on the information you furnish about your child. Police Officers do not have the ability to weigh your children.
What you can expect at your inspection:
- A Round Lake Park Police Officer will inspect your child safety seat installation. In addition, the officer will advise you of any corrections needed.
- The officer will explain and demonstrate the correct use and installation of your child safety seat.
- You will be required to repeat the installation of your child safety seat, in your vehicle, at the inspection site.
- You should leave your inspection site feeling secure and confident with transporting your child – your most precious cargo.
Round Lake Park Police Officers will complete and require you to sign an inspection form.
Illinois Child Safety Seat Requirements 2019-Summary
Newborn-2 years
Effective Jan. 1, 2019, Illinois law will require children under age 2 to be properly secured in a rear-facing child restraint system unless they weigh more than 40 pounds or are more than 40 inches tall. Children must remain rear-facing until age 2.
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.
Ages 2-4
Children should remain in a rear-facing safety seat for as long as possible, or until they are at the upper height or weight limit of the seat. When a child out- grows a rear-facing safety seat, he or she may transition to a forward-facing seat with a harness system
Ages 4-8
Children should be secured in a forward-facing safety seat with an internal harness system until they reach the upper height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer. When a child outgrows the forward-facing seat, he or she may transition to a belt-positioning booster seat.
Ages 8-12
Children should stay in a belt-positioning booster seat until they are tall enough to properly fit in an adult lap/shoulder belt.