Arizona Child Safety Seat Laws Spelled Out

Arizona takes child safety very seriously. Arizona laws require children — all children — to be restrained while they are in a moving vehicle. It is essential to keep your child safe while in the car. Arizona child safety seat laws are designed to protect youngsters from harm should an accident occur. All children must be restrained, and the failure to do so could result in a ticket. The requirements for safety seats vary based on the age and weight of the child.

Newborn Baby Seat Requirements in Arizona

Infants up to twenty pounds must ride in a rear-facing infant seat. The seat should never be located in the front passenger side of the car because of potential injuries due to the deployment of the air bag. Only seats designed for vehicle use should be used. Check to make sure that the infant seat is federally approved.

Car Seats for Children Up to 40 Pounds

Children over one year of age and who weigh between 20 and 40 pounds are allowed to ride in a convertible car seat. The car seat can be facing forward and should be positioned in the rear seat of the vehicle. The safest location for a car seat is typically in the middle of the rear seat. The seat must be properly secured in place or it will not be effective.

Booster Seats for Children Up to 80 Pounds

Children over 40 pounds should utilize booster seats. The law requires booster seats for children ages 5 through 8 years old and up to 4 foot 9 inches tall. Booster seats are designed to position a child properly in order to utilize the vehicle’s seat belts for restraint. A booster seat provides more height to the seat, allowing the child to fit into the vehicle in much the same way as an adult. It also allows the child to have a better view out of the window.

Proper Installation of Child Safety Seats

Child safety seats can only protect kids when they are correctly installed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when utilizing car seats. The seat should not move when it is secured to the seat. Some vehicles are outfitted with hardware to connect car seats firmly in place.

Children can be injured in vehicle accidents, even if they are in safety seats. If you or your child were hurt in a vehicle accident, contact the legal team at Udall Shumway PLC to schedule a consultation today.

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you or someone you know wishes to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney regarding Child Safety Seat Laws, or other personal injury matters, call 480.461.5300. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.