Arizona Car And Booster Seat Laws

November 29, 2024 | Car Accidents

Arizona Car And Booster Seat Laws

Car seat laws are created to keep young passengers safe while riding in a vehicle. Car and booster seat regulations change when new safety information is discovered. Changes may be frustrating and confusing for parents, but keeping up with Arizona car seat laws will protect kids and prevent parents from being ticketed. 

Know The Law

In Arizona, all children under eight and those under 4′9″ are required to be secured in a restraint of some kind. Kids under five must be in a car seat regardless of their height. The types of restraints that are acceptable in Arizona include boosters, car seats, and some types of built-in and add-on features. 

These age-specific regulations will help you keep your children safe in the case of a car accident:

  • Infants and children under five must be restrained and should sit in the back seat
  • Children between five and eight may need a child restraint depending on their height
  • Children taller than 4′9″ may ride with only a seat belt
  • Children older than eight may ride in a vehicle with only a seat belt

There are no specific rear-facing car seat laws in Arizona. 

While Arizona’s age and height specifications are clear, the state does not enforce booster seat weight requirements. Exceptions to the law may be made if drivers can prove they attempted to acquire the proper safety restraint but were unable to do so. If the situation is an emergency, drivers may be exempt from car seat laws. 

If a driver must transport multiple children and the vehicle can’t accommodate all the necessary restraints, car seat laws may not apply. Another exception may be applicable if the vehicle doesn’t have a seat belt or there is no way to attach a restraint safely. 

Types Of Acceptable Car Seats In Arizona

When shopping for a car seat to protect your child from injury, there are several options that are legal in Arizona. The best advice is to follow all manufacturer recommendations and purchase the restraint device that meets your personal specifications. The following offers more specific details about the types of car seats: 

  • Rear-facing car seats: Rear-facing car seats are meant for infants and children under two. They cradle a baby’s head, neck, and back and are often referred to as “infant seats.” Infant car seats are transportable, making it easy to move young children in and out of the vehicle. 
  • Forward-facing car seats: Forward-facing car seats are recommended for toddlers between two and four years old. These seats have adjustable straps and harnesses for easy installation. As the name implies, children face the front of the vehicle while in one of these seats. 
  • Booster seats: Booster seats are for children younger than 12 and older than four. Boosters allow kids to have more mobility while still being safely restrained. Lap and shoulder seat belts are used to keep the booster seat and the child restrained. 

If you have more specific questions, contact a personal injury lawyer for help or search for local resources in your area. 

Installing A Car Seat

There are no laws in Arizona about where a car seat can be installed or who can install it. However, manufacturers supply specific instructions for safe installation. The exact instructions depend on the type of car seat and should comply with federal safety standards. If you’re unsure how to install a car seat, contact the Phoenix Fire Department to make an installation reservation. 

Keep Child Passengers Safe With Car Seats And Boosters

Children are especially vulnerable if an auto accident occurs. Injuries that may be minor to an adult can be serious or even fatal for a child. Staying current with Arizona car seat and child restraint laws will help you protect your children no matter where you’re going. If you and your child have been involved in an accident or you need advice regarding car seat laws, contact an Arizona personal injury lawyer today for help.

Contact an Experienced Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer for Help With Your Claim

If you were injured in an accident in Phoenix, AZ, and need legal help, contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.

Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
1221 E Osborn Rd. Suite 201
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 595-5559

Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
400 Gold Avenue SW Suite 650
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 594-3621