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#What Is the Car Seat or Booster Seat Law in Arizona?

By Judy Hedding. Phoenix Expert

Judy Hedding became a resident of the Phoenix metropolitan area in 1979. Since her move to Arizona, she's lived in several different communities: Phoenix (two different neighborhoods), Tempe, Mesa and Chandler (two different neighborhoods). The Valley of the Sun -- the moniker by which the Greater Phoenix area is widely known -- is huge, and Judy has watched this uncomplicated western town morph into one of largest metropolitan areas in the country.

On August 2, 2012 the existing Arizona car seat law covering children up to five years old changed, additionally requiring that children ages 5 through 7 (younger than 8) and 4 9 or shorter must ride in a vehicle in a booster seat. Confused about what you are hearing and reading about the requirements of the new law? You re not alone. Here is a more detailed explanation with examples .

Types of Child Restraint Systems

For children weighing up to 40 pounds or 40 tall.

The convertible car seat is placed in a reclined rear-facing position. After children reach at least 1 year and 20 pounds, the convertible seat can be turned forward and placed in the upright position in the back seat of the vehicle.

Booster Seats

Generally, more than 40 pounds, under eight years old, 4 9 or shorter

When a child reaches about 40 pounds she will outgrow the convertible seat. Either a belt positioning (backless) or high-back booster seat can be used with a lap/shoulder belt in the back seat of the vehicle.

Note that Arizona law does not take the weight of the child into account. Again, following the car seat or booster seat instructions and recommendations will help you. If you have a child that is legally not required to be in a child restraint system, but is slight or frail, it is perfectly fine for you to err on the side of safety and have your child use a booster seat.

The Question I Get Asked Most Often

Many people, when reading the Arizona Statute, assume that since it is not specifically mentioned as illegal, that a child in a car seat or booster seat can ride in the front seat. No. I don t think you will find any car seat or booster seat, in its operating instructions, that indicates that it is safe to put it in the front seat. Therefore, ARS 28-907 (C), mentioned above, would kick in which says that the federal regulations for child restraint system installation must be followed. Children can be seriously hurt or killed if the front seat airbag is deployed. Although not dictated by law, even some children who are old enough/tall enough to ride without a booster seat should not sit in the front seat. Most organizations recommend that children 12 and under always ride in the back seat. If for some reason your child must sit in the front seat (two-seat vehicles or pick-up trucks with tight extended cabs, for example) make sure that the passenger side airbag is either deactivated or operates on an automatic sensor turning it off under a certain weight application.

I shouldn t have to say it. Children should never ride in the back of a pickup truck, but I see it all too often. Are you kidding me? Do you care about that child?

Children Are Priceless Passengers

Arizona participates in a program entitled Children Are Priceless Passengers whereby for $25 you can attend a two-hour training session on child seat safety. The C.A.P.P. Program offers child safety seat classes at locations around the Valley. If you have received a citation for not having your child properly restrained, you may have some or all of the violation removed after attending the class. If you don t own a car seat, you might be given one at the training session. Sessions are available in English and Spanish at the following locations:

Mayo Clinic, 480-342-0300

5777 E Mayo Blvd. Phoenix

Tempe Police Department, 480-350-8376

1855 East Apache Blvd. Tempe

Banner Desert Medical Center, 602-230-2273

1400 S. Dobson Rd. Mesa

Maryvale Hospital, 1-877-977-4968

5102 W. Campbell Ave. Phoenix

St. Joseph s, 1-877-602-4111

350 W. Thomas Rd. Phoenix

Please call the location nearest to you for specific information.

Final Tips

If you have purchased a car seat or booster seat, and you need assistance making sure that it is properly installed, contact your nearest Fire Department location and ask if they will perform a car seat check for you. There won t be a charge for that service.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, a doctor or a manufacturer of child restraint systems. If you have specific questions about Arizona s law as it applies to you or your vehicle, please contact one of the specialists mentioned above or the manufacturer of your child restraint equipment.