All About Arizona Seat Belt Laws
Wearing a seat belt is one of the most important things you can do as a driver or passenger. According to the CDC, seat belts help reduce auto accident injuries by nearly 50 percent. Though it may seem intuitive, it’s important to know all seat belt laws, especially since Arizona seatbelt laws are often enforced and categorized differently from other states.
If you’ve already sustained injuries in an auto accident in Arizona, contact the Phoenix auto accident attorneys at ELG Law. Our team of auto accident lawyers is here to help.
Primary Arizona Seat Belt Laws
First, it’s important to understand how seat belt laws work in Arizona. Authorities categorize seatbelt laws into two types: primary and secondary laws. Primary seat belt laws are those that allow law enforcement to make traffic stops and issue citations for drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts. In layman’s terms, this means that an officer can make a stop solely for a seat belt law violation without another reason, like a moving violation.
Regarding child passengers, Arizona is a primary enforcement state. If you’re driving in Arizona, ensure that all children aged 16 years and younger are wearing their seat belts. Secure children under a certain age and height in a restraint system, such as a car seat. If an officer in Arizona observes any of these seat belt law violations, they can stop the driver and issue a citation. Each citation may carry a penalty of $50.
Secondary Arizona Seat Belt Laws
In addition to primary seatbelt laws, Arizona enforces secondary seat belt laws for adult drivers and passengers. All drivers and passengers are required by law to wear seat belts, but an Arizona officer cannot stop a driver based on seat belt violations alone. However, if an officer stops a driver for another unrelated violation, they will issue a citation after observing a seat belt violation.
Police may issue citations to passengers aged 16 and over for failing to wear seat belts in the front seat. These penalty fines may vary.
Child Restraint Laws in Arizona
Arizona Department of Transportation regulations regarding child restraint systems dictate law by weight, height, and age. For example, Arizona state law requires all children under the age of 8 and under five feet in height to be secured in a child restraint device.
In addition, drivers must install all child restraint systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications. Furthermore, drivers must align with height and weight regulations. Child passengers in Arizona can transition to seat belts when they reach age 8 and older. Again, due to primary Arizona seat belt laws, law enforcement can stop a driver for not securing a child properly.
Auto Accident Attorney in Phoenix, Arizona
Knowledge of Arizona seat belt laws and regulations is important for keeping you and your family safe on the road. When dangerous auto accidents occur, seat belt laws can prevent serious injuries and death. If you’ve sustained injuries as a driver or passenger in an auto accident, contact our Phoenix auto accident attorneys at ELG Law. Call us at (623) 562-3838 for a free consultation for legal representation today.
