Rule 5180:2-7-15 | Transportation.
(A) What are the requirements for a foster caregiver regarding transporting a foster child in a motor vehicle?
(1) Any person transporting a foster child in a motor vehicle shall be licensed to drive that class of vehicle.
(2) Any vehicle not owned or leased by the foster caregiver that is used to transport a foster child shall be maintained in a safe operating condition in accordance with state laws.
(3) Any vehicle owned or leased by the foster caregiver is to be reliable, legal and safe for transportation with safety restraints, as appropriate for the child.
(a) Reliable transportation includes a properly maintained vehicle or access to reliable public transportation.
(b) Legal transportation includes maintaining valid insurance and registration as required by law.
(c) Safe transportation includes safety restraints and ensuring all safety measures are adhered to when transportation is provided by family friends and teen household members, as appropriate.
(B) Except for foster children described in paragraphs (D) and (E) of this rule, what restraint requirements must be met for a foster child transported in a motor vehicle?
The foster child must be restrained at all times by a seat belt including both a lap belt and a shoulder belt in vehicles equipped with them.
(C) Which motor vehicle seat restraint law must foster caregivers comply with?
They must comply with section 4511.81 of the Revised Code regarding motor vehicle seat restraint requirements.
(D) What restraint is required for a foster child under eight years old and under four feet nine inches tall?
The child must be properly restrained in a booster seat and placed in the back seat of the vehicle, if the vehicle has one, unless paragraph (H) of this rule is applicable.
(E) What restraint is required for a foster child between eight and fifteen years old if the Revised Code section does not apply?
The child must be restrained in a belt-positioning booster seat in a forward-facing position or by a seat belt with both lap and shoulder belts, if the vehicle is equipped with them.
(F) Where must children age twelve and under ride in a motor vehicle?
They must ride in the back seat of a vehicle that has a back seat and must not ride in the front seat unless the vehicle has no back seat.
(G) What must a foster caregiver do if a foster child rides in the front seat, as permitted by this rule?
The caregiver must disable the passenger side airbag, if the vehicle is so equipped.
(H) Are there exceptions to the seat restraint requirements for foster children?
A foster caregiver may be exempt from the seat restraint requirements if the caregiver has a signed affidavit from a licensed Ohio physician or chiropractor stating the child has a physical impairment that makes the use of restraints impossible or impractical. The child is to be restrained safely according to the medical recommendation.
(I) What safety reviews must foster caregivers conduct regarding child safety seats?
Foster caregivers must review recall and safety information issued by the consumer product safety commission (CPSC) related to child safety seats or booster seats.
(J) What must a foster caregiver do if the CPSC makes safety recommendations regarding child safety or booster seats?
The foster caregiver must implement any safety recommendations made by the CPSC.
Last updated October 25, 2026 at 12:00 AM
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