Booster Seat Laws?

Question

I live in Indiana, and often travel in Ohio. I babysit my neice and often have her in my car, and she rides in a booster seat. I read the manual that was in a pocket underneath, and the requirements for the booster are 33 inches tall and 35 lbs, so she meets those, but I'm concerned that the manufacterer's guidelines might not be as restrctive as the state laws.

The booster is the kind where the regular seat belt goes across her lap, and there is no tall back on it.

What are the laws for Indiana and Ohio, regarding booster seats?

I read the code, but I just don't understand it. Please help! I don't want to get a ticket or anything if her booster isn't really legal.

Answer 1

How old is she?

Boosters with vehicle seatbelt are for children 4 years AND 40lbs.

Answer 2

Ohio law is that a child must be in a carseat until 4 years old and 40 lbs.  If they are 40 or more lbs then a booster seat is ok but if under 4 years old they must be in a highback booster seat.   Booster seats without the back can only be used for children 4 years and 40 lbs here in Ohio (according to the cops that pulled my cousin over and the court she went to).  Highback booster seats are much much safer than the ones without a back and they can be used for up to 80-100 lbs.  I know my sons no back booster says can be used when a child is 30 lbs and I believe it is 35" tall but the cop I talked to said that legally in Ohio that can't be used until 40 lbs here in Ohio.