Arizona Car Seat Laws 2023| You Must Know for Safety

Arizona has made significant progress in prioritizing the safety of the youngest passengers during car journeys. Arizona has always enforced comprehensive car seat laws and regulations on the road out of awareness of child safety. 

Adhering to state car seat laws is crucial for the safety of children while traveling in vehicles. These regulations are in place to minimize the risk of injuries and save lives in the event of a car accident, and in this regard, the child’s parents and the driver should be most careful.

Laws of Car Seat in Arizona: Significant Commitment to Protecting Lives

In order to protect children from car crashes, it is crucial to follow Arizona car seat regulations. Here are some essential details about Arizona car seat laws:

Seat Specification in the Vehicle: Age and Size of Children

Children under the age of 8 years old must be properly secured in a child restraint system. 

Arizona car seat law states that, in a child restraint system, children must be properly secured who are under 8 years old. This includes car seats or booster seats, depending on the child’s age and size or weight. According to the official Arizona car seat law in Statute 28-907, 

 

Child restraint system” means an add-on child restraint system, a built-in child restraint system, a factory-installed built-in child restraint system, a rear-facing child restraint system, or a booster seat as defined in 49 Code of Federal Regulations section 571.213.

Rear-Facing Seat in Arizona Car Seat Laws for Minor Child 

Car seat manufacturers recommend that children be kept in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old or until they reach the maximum height and weight limits. Accordingly, the state of Arizona has enacted this rear facing seat law for the safety of minor children.

If suddenly any car accident happens on the road, this seating arrangement plays a huge positive role in providing extra protection for the child’s head, neck, and spine.

Forward-Facing Seats Laws in Arizona 

When a kid turns two or meets the maximum height and weight restrictions of their rear-facing seat, Arizona forward-facing law advises guardians to switch their kids from rear-facing to forward-facing car seats.

Parents should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure that their child is appropriately restrained based on their size and developmental stage. As a child grows, their body and skeletal structure become better equipped to handle the forces associated with forward-facing travel. 

The transition to a forward-facing seat is typically made when a child’s physical development allows for greater protection in this position.

Arizona Booster Seat Laws: Height Requirements for Children

Booster seats are appropriate when children are under 4 feet 9 inches. This height requirement is based on safety standards to ensure that the seat belt fits the child properly and provides adequate protection in the event of a collision.

The purpose of a booster seat is that the lap belt of the seat lies across the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt crosses the chest over shoulder to protect their body from harsh injury.

Child Front Seat Law in Arizona 

You will see that there is no official child front seat regulation, but the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) states to keep your children in the backseat if they are under the age of 12. 

Actually, any youngster older than 12 years old may travel in the front seat even though Arizona has no definite front seat restriction. If they are taller than 4’9″, they need to put on a seatbelt. 

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Arizona 

If anyone violates Arizona’s car seat laws, he can face fines and penalties in terms of  securing children in safety seats. Here is a chart of estimated penalties for violating Arizona’s car seat laws:

Laws	Penalties
When it comes to Rear-Facing Car Seat Law	Approximately 50 dollar or more
When it comes to Forward-Facing Car Seat Law	Approximately 50 dollar or more
When it comes to Arizona Booster Seat Law	Approximately 50 dollar or more
When it comes to Arizona Child Seat Belt Law	Approximately 10 dollar or more for every penalty

Exception To Ensure The Safety Of Child Passenger In Arizona Car Seat Laws

Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS), 28-907(A) states that a child who is at least 5 years old and either weighs more than 40 pounds or height 4 feet 9 inches tall or taller may use the vehicle’s safety belt system in place of a booster seat. 

There is another exception to the law, such as if no appropriate child restraint system is available in the vehicle or if a child has a medical condition that makes using a child safety seat or booster seat impractical.

What Seat Laws Has Arizona Enacted Regarding Leaving a Child in The Car?

Arizona does not enact any specific car seat laws regarding leaving a child in a car alone but it is highly risky because of the dangers of hot weather or other possible hazards. 

In many areas, including Arizona, it is illegal to leave a kid alone in a car. The act is known as child endangerment. If law enforcement determines that a child’s safety is at risk due to being left alone in a vehicle, they can take legal action against the responsible adult, including potential charges.

Arizona’s Taxi Car Seat Laws During Sharing Rides

Taxi and rideshare drivers are generally exempt from the same car seat laws that apply to private vehicles but they may not be required by direct law to require the use of car seats. 

However, in Arizona it’s still strongly recommended for the safety of the child to use an appropriate car seat or booster seat when traveling in taxis or rideshare vehicles.

FAQs About Car Seat Laws in Arizona

What Are The Upcoming Changes To Arizona Car Seat Laws? 

Although it is not always possible to predict with certainty if Arizona’s car seat regulations will change, none have been implemented since the 2020 implementation of the rear-facing car seat rule until the kid reaches the age of two.

Are There Other Laws Against Smoking In A Car With A Child In Arizona?

Smoking is not permitted in the majority of enclosed public spaces in Arizona, including your own car. No matter if the child is present or not. It is not permitted, even if the vehicle is unattended.

Are The Car Seat Laws Applicable To Rental Cars In Arizona?

Yes, car seat laws are also applicable to rental cars in Arizona, just as they do to privately owned vehicles. It is the responsibility of the drivers to ensure that all children are properly secured in their car.

Can I use a car seat that has been involved in a minor accident in Arizona?

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recommends replacing a car seat if it has been involved in any accident, even a minor one, because a damaged car seat may not provide the same level of protection in a subsequent crash.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and adhering to Arizona’s car seat laws are essential for the safety of children while traveling in motor vehicles. It’s important to stay informed about any updates or changes to these laws, as safety regulations may evolve over time to reflect the latest research and best practices. 

Ultimately, prioritizing child passenger safety in Arizona not only helps prevent accidents and injuries but also sets a crucial example for responsible and attentive driving practices. 

More Resources on Car Seat Laws 

California Car Seat Laws

Ohio Car Seat Laws

New York Car Seat Laws

Wisconsin Car Seat Laws

Virginia Car Seat Laws