Child car seat laws keep our children safe in the event of a car accident. You may be wondering about Arizona child car seat laws. The Scottsdale car accident attorneys at KRLG Injury Lawyers explain these requirements in the article below. If your child was injured in a crash, call our law office in Scottsdale, AZ, at (623) 303-5754 for a free consultation.
Why Families Choose KRLG Injury Lawyers for Their Car Accident Cases in Scottsdale, Arizona
If your child has been hurt in an accident, you need legal representation that treats your case with the urgency it deserves. Our Scottsdale personal injury lawyers regularly handle claims involving child injuries and know how to ensure your family gets fair compensation to help your child recover.
Clients throughout Scottsdale, Arizona, turn to KRLG Injury Lawyers because:
- Our legal team has over 100 years of combined experience advocating for injury victims.
- We are dedicated trial advocates who prepare every case for the possibility of a jury trial.
- We have earned an average 4.8-star rating based on hundreds of successful client outcomes.
- Members of our legal team have been recognized by Super Lawyers Rising Stars and Martindale-Hubbell (AV-Preeminent rating).
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Scottsdale car accident lawyer.
The Requirements of Arizona’s Child Restraint Statutes
A.R.S. § 28-907 mandates specific restraints based on age and stature rather than weight. The legal requirements generally fall into two categories.
Children under five years of age must be secured in a compliant child restraint system whenever the vehicle is in motion on a public highway. While the law does not specify rear- versus forward-facing orientation, the device must meet federal safety standards as outlined in 49 C.F.R. § 571.213.
Children who are at least five but under eight years old and no more than 4 feet 9 inches tall must use a child restraint system, typically a booster seat that properly positions the vehicle’s seat belt.
Exceptions and Front Seat Rules
Arizona does not have a statute that forbids children from riding in the front passenger seat. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration strongly recommends that children remain in the rear seat through age 12 to avoid the risk of airbag injuries.
There are limited exemptions under A.R.S. § 28-907(H). Exceptions include older vehicles manufactured without seat belts, recreational vehicles, certain commercial vehicles, or emergency medical transport. In nearly all other scenarios, the law strictly requires proper child restraint.
Arizona’s General Seat Belt Law
Arizona law requires the driver and all front-seat occupants of a vehicle to wear a properly fastened seat belt under A.R.S. § 28-909. Passengers under 16 must wear a seat belt regardless of where they’re seated in the vehicle, including the back seat.
Incidentally, Arizona treats seat belt violations as a secondary offense for adult occupants, meaning an officer generally can’t pull a driver over solely because an adult passenger isn’t buckled up (it can be added as an additional citation once a stop has been made for another reason).
How Car Seat Compliance Impacts Personal Injury Claims
Violating these safety laws typically results in a fine, with court costs often increasing the total. Drivers may sometimes avoid the penalty by providing the court with proof that they have purchased a compliant car seat.
Arizona law also limits how a child restraint violation can be used in other legal proceedings. Under A.R.S. § 28-907, the requirements of the statute and evidence of a violation are generally not admissible in a judicial proceeding, except in a proceeding involving a violation of the child restraint law itself.
If your child was injured in a crash, a car accident lawyer in Scottsdale can investigate the circumstances, determine who may be liable, and help your family pursue compensation for your child’s injuries and other losses.
Contact Our Scottsdale Car Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
If your child has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, our team is ready to fight for the maximum compensation available. KRLG Injury Lawyers has the experience and resources to challenge insurance companies and protect your family’s future.
Call today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options with our Scottsdale car accident lawyers.