Arizona is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes. As they ride in the car, kids can take in the red rocks of Sedona and the silhouettes of giant Saguaro cacti throughout the desert.
You want each trip you take with your kids to be memorable for good reasons. One of the best ways to keep your children safe on the road is to make sure their car seats are compliant with Arizona laws.
Overview of Arizona Car Seat Laws
Arizona has straightforward car seat laws, but they don’t include as many stages as laws in other states. To reduce your children’s risk of injuries, it’s a good idea to follow the recommendations of reputable organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as well as state law.
Arizona Car Seat Requirements by Age and Size
Arizona car seat laws aren’t quite as detailed as those in some other states. The relevant statutes don’t specify when a child should be in a rear-facing vs. a front-facing seat. However, it may be helpful to understand which types of car seats are recommended for each age group.
Rear-Facing Requirements
Arizona car seat laws require all children under five to be secured in a child restraint system (car seat). Experts often suggest keeping kids in rear-facing seats until the age of two. It’s even better if you can keep them in rear-facing seats until they reach the manufacturer’s height and weight limits.
Forward-Facing Requirements
Arizona law does not specify when a child should move from a forward-facing car seat to a booster seat, but a good rule of thumb is to keep your child in a car seat until they outgrow it.
Booster Seat Requirements
In Arizona, kids must be secured in a car seat or booster seat until they reach both of these milestones:
- The age of eight
- A height of at least 4’9”
At this point, the child may ride in the car with a standard seat belt.
When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in Arizona?
Arizona car seat laws don’t set a specific age where it’s acceptable for a child to sit in the front seat. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under 13 ride in the back seat for maximum protection.
Penalties for Violating Car Seat Laws in Arizona
Arizona car seat laws impose a $50 civil penalty for violations. However, the law specifies that the fine may be waived if you provide proof that you have installed a proper child restraint system.
Need Legal Help With a Car Seat Violation?
In some cases, you may be able to resolve a violation yourself. In others, legal representation may help. Whether you need a lawyer knowledgeable about car seat laws or Arizona DUI laws, ConsumerShield can help. Fill out our contact form to get started with a free case review today!
Other arizona Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Some do. Arizona seat belt laws require all front-seat occupants and all passengers under 16 to wear seat belts. Once a child turns 16, they may ride in the back seat without a seat belt.
-
No. In Arizona, you may be assessed a civil (non-criminal) penalty for breaking car seat laws.
