What is the law regarding securing children under 18 in a vehicle?

In Iowa, the law mandates that children under the age of 18 are to be secured in a properly installed child safety seat. This requirement is intended to enhance the safety of young passengers who are particularly vulnerable in the event of a vehicle crash.

Child safety seats are designed to provide protection by ensuring that the child is restrained correctly, using appropriate harnesses and positioning that are suitable for their size and weight. The law specifies the need for these seats as they greatly reduce the risk of injury or fatality compared to being unrestrained or simply using a standard seatbelt.

While there are various guidelines about when a child can transition from a child safety seat to a booster seat or then to using a seatbelt directly, the fundamental requirement remains that under the age of 18, they must be secured in a manner that complies with the safety standards established for their age and size.