(A) Definitions. For purposes of this section the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings ascribed them respectively:
CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. A device that is manufactured for the purposes of protecting children from injury during a motor vehicle accident and meets the standards prescribed in I.C. 9-13-2-23 and 49 CFR 571.213.
PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLE. For the purposes of this chapter, shall mean a motor vehicle designed for carrying passengers and does not include a motorcycle, bus, or school bus, tractor, or recreational vehicle.
(B) Front seat passenger. All occupants of a passenger motor vehicle that is equipped with a safety belt meeting the standards stated in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 (49 CFR 571.208) shall have a safety belt properly fastened about the occupant's body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion.
(C) Child restraint requirements.
(1) A person who operates a motor vehicle in which there is a child less than 4 years of age shall have said child restrained by a child passenger restraint system, however, if it is reasonably determined that the child will not fit in a child restraint system then said child shall be properly fastened and restrained by a safety belt.
(2) A person who operates a passenger motor vehicle that is equipped with a safety belt meeting the requirements stated in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 208 (49 CFR 571.208) shall have every child at least 4 years of age but less than 12 years of age properly fastened and restrained by a child passenger restraint system or a safety belt.
(D) Vehicle stop. A vehicle may be stopped by the Police Department to determine compliance with this section. However, a vehicle, the contents of the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle, or a passenger in a vehicle may not be inspected, searched, or detained solely because of a violation of this section.
(Ord. 2008-05, passed 5-12-2008)