Child Car Safety Laws in Arizona

Child Car Seat

When riding in a vehicle, all children under the age of five must be properly secured in a child restraint device meeting federal standards. The driver can be assessed with a $50 penalty for failing to take this action.

However, this law doesn’t apply to children riding in a vehicle manufactured before 1972, school bus, public transportation vehicle, or a recreational vehicle.

Although that is the extent of the Arizona law, protecting a child in a vehicle doesn’t stop there. The state provides helpful information on how to protect child passengers.

Additionally, if you spot a vehicle with a passenger under eight years old who appears not to be properly restrained, you can report the driver by calling (800) 505-BABY. Be sure to know the vehicle’s license plate number and state, the location, and where the child was sitting.

Seatbelts

Anyone sitting in the front seat of a vehicle built after 1972 must at least have their lap belt properly adjusted and fastened. If a shoulder belt is also available, that must be properly adjusted and fastened, as well.

Drivers may be nailed with a citation if a front-seat passenger under the age of 16 is not wearing a seat belt.

Those with a physical or medical disability waiver are exempt from this rule.