• Iowa's Laws on Keeping Kids Safe in Carschild in a carseat image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
  
  Infants and children's smaller sizes make them more vulnerable to injury in the event of a motor vehicle accident. Every state has laws regarding the use of child restraint devices and seat belts that vary in age, height and weight requirements. In Iowa, a police officer has probable cause to stop a vehicle should he notice a failure to restrain a child properly while in the vehicle. Additionally, drivers must adhere to manufacturer's instructions when using the device.
  
  

Requirements

• In the state of Iowa, any infant under one year old and who weighs less than 20 lbs must sit in a rear-facing car seat. Rear-facing car seats distribute the impact of a crash differently and protect the head better than front-facing car seats. Children under six years old must sit in any type of car seat or booster seat while driving. In both cases, the driver must secure the devices with a seat belt. Children six to 11 must wear a seatbelt.
  
  

Violations

• Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a misdemeanor fine of $25 plus additional costs including court fees that will total at least $83 dollars, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety. A person will not face the fines on their first offense provided they provide proof of obtaining a proper restraint device should the ticket have resulted from failure to have a car seat or booster seat. This laws applies to both residents and non-residents.
  
  

Exceptions

• Exceptions to the law in Iowa include school buses, emergency vehicles, motorcycles, certification by a physician advising against restraint for physical or medical reasons and children riding in motor homes, unless sitting in the front seat.