Keeping your child safe in the car isn’t just smart — it’s also required by law in Arizona. Car accidents are one of the top reasons children get hurt or killed in this state. That’s why Arizona has car seat laws that all drivers must follow when traveling with kids.
If you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver driving with children, it’s important to understand the different car seat rules and how they apply based on your child’s age, height, and weight. This guide breaks it all down in a way that’s easy to understand.
Different Types of Car Seats and When to Use Them
Arizona law doesn’t ask you to buy the most expensive car seat out there. It just wants the seat to fit your child properly and be used the right way. Here are the three main types of car seats:
1. Rear-Facing Car Seat
This is for babies and very young children. It faces the back of the car. These seats help protect a baby’s head, neck, and spine during a crash. Most children use this type until they are at least 1 year old and weigh 20 pounds.
2. Forward-Facing Car Seat
Once your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, they can move to a forward-facing one. This seat faces forward and has a harness to hold the child in place. Kids usually use this seat from around age 1 to 5, and up to 40 pounds.
3. Booster Seat
When children get older and bigger but still aren’t tall enough for a seat belt to fit them right, they use a booster seat. This lifts them up so the car’s seat belt fits across their chest and lap — not their neck or stomach. Arizona law says kids between ages 5 and 8 who are under 4 feet 9 inches tall must use a booster seat.
Once a child turns 8 or grows taller than 4 feet 9 inches, they can safely use a regular seat belt without a booster.
What the Arizona Car Seat Law Says
According to Arizona Revised Statute 28-907, children under 8 years old must ride in a child safety seat or booster seat if they are shorter than 4 feet 9 inches. This applies to most vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Here’s a simple chart to help you figure out what your child needs:
| Type of Seat | Age Range | Height Limit | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-facing seat | Under 1 | Under 20 inches* | Under 20 pounds |
| Forward-facing seat | 1–5 years | No set limit | 20–40 pounds |
| Booster seat | 5–8 years | Under 4’9″ | Under 40 pounds |
| Seat belt only | 8+ years | Over 4’9″ | Over 40 pounds |
*Note: Height may vary by manufacturer; follow the seat’s manual.
Also, even if your child passes the weight limit, it’s safer to wait until they also meet the height requirement before moving to the next seat type.
Penalties for Not Following the Law
If you’re pulled over and a police officer sees a child without the proper car seat or booster, you could get a ticket. The fine is up to $50. The officer will ask about the child’s age and height to see if the law applies.
There is one way to avoid paying the fine: If you show the court proof that you got a proper car seat after the ticket — like a receipt — you may not have to pay.
What is a “Child Restraint System”?
This might sound like a fancy term, but it just means any kind of car seat or booster seat made to keep kids safe. It can be a built-in seat, an add-on one, or a convertible seat that changes as your child grows. It must meet federal safety standards, and you must use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Does This Law Apply to Every Vehicle?
Not always. Some vehicles are exempt under Arizona law. These include buses, school vans, and vehicles that don’t have seat belts installed in the back seat. You can read the full list in ARS 28-907(H) and ARS 28-907(B) on the Arizona Legislature’s website.
Help With Installing Your Car Seat
It’s not always easy to install a car seat the right way. That’s okay. Many police and fire stations will help you install your car seat or check if it’s done right. You can also call the Child Safety Seat Hotline at 602-543-8687 for help or visit a certified car seat check site.
Can I Rent a Car Seat?
Yes, there are programs across Arizona that let you borrow or rent a car seat if you need one. These services are often low-cost or free. Hospitals are required to share this info with new parents. You can also reach out to the Children are Priceless Passengers (C.A.P.P.) program to learn more.
Common Questions About Arizona’s Car Seat Laws
Q: My child is 7 years old and 5 feet tall. Do they still need a booster seat?
A: No. If your child is over 4 feet 9 inches tall, they don’t need a booster — even if they are under 8.
Q: My child is 8 years old but only 4’8″ tall. Do they need a booster seat?
A: No. Once a child turns 8, they are not legally required to be in a booster, even if they haven’t reached the height limit. Still, it may be safer to keep them in a booster until the seat belt fits properly.
Q: What if I just bought the car and don’t have a seat yet?
A: If you are ticketed but later show proof you purchased a car seat, you may not have to pay the fine.
Need Legal Help After a Car Accident?
Even if you follow all the car seat laws, accidents still happen. If your child was hurt in a crash in Phoenix and you believe someone else was at fault, you don’t have to go through it alone. At CLS Law, our car accident attorneys help families understand their rights, deal with insurance, and fight for fair compensation.
Call (855) 257-9467 today to speak with a lawyer about your case. The consultation is free, and we’re here to help you protect your family’s future.