In a car crash, seat belts can help save passengers in vehicles. This is why Arizona Seat Belt Laws have been passed to save drivers and passengers of all ages. Depending on the age of drivers and passengers, the Arizona Seat Belt Laws provide certain regulations for children, teen drivers, and adults.
In Arizona, wearing a seat belt is a secondary enforcement law, meaning an officer can only charge fines for not wearing a seat belt after being pulled over for a primary enforcement law, like speeding.
Seat Belt Laws in Arizona: What You Need to Know
Seat belts save lives. That’s not just a slogan—it’s a fact backed by decades of data and crash statistics. But what exactly does the law say about seat belt use in Arizona? Whether you’re driving, riding in the back seat, or have little ones on board, knowing the laws can protect your safety and your wallet.
Let’s break it down.
Arizona’s seat belt laws are outlined in Arizona Revised Statute §28-909 and §28-907 for child passenger safety. These statutes explain who must wear a seat belt and what the legal consequences are if they don’t.
Arizona is considered a secondary enforcement state when it comes to seat belts. That means a police officer can’t pull you over just for not wearing a seat belt—there has to be another traffic violation first, like speeding or running a stop sign. But once you’re pulled over, not wearing your seat belt can absolutely lead to a ticket.
Do You Have to Wear a Seat Belt in Arizona?
If you’re in the front seat, you must wear a seat belt—no exceptions. Arizona law is clear on that. It’s a matter of personal safety, and it’s enforceable under ARS §28-909.
If you’re an adult riding in the back seat, Arizona law currently does not require you to wear a seat belt. That might seem surprising, but it’s true—there’s no legal requirement for adults in the back to buckle up. Still, we strongly recommend that everyone wear a seat belt, no matter where you sit in the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the risk of serious injury or death by nearly half in the event of a crash.
Do Teens and Kids Have to Wear Seat Belts in the Back Seat?
Yes. Teens under the age of 16 are required by law to wear a seat belt—in both the front and the back seats. The driver is responsible for making sure they’re buckled up properly, and a violation can lead to a $10 fine per unbelted passenger.
Child Passenger Safety: Car Seats & Booster Seat Rules
For kids, Arizona law takes safety a step further. According to ARS §28-907 and the Arizona Department of Transportation guidelines:
Children under 8 years old and shorter than 4’9″ must be in a proper child restraint system (like a rear-facing car seat, forward-facing seat, or booster seat, depending on their size).
Violations of this law can result in a $175 fine for the driver.
These laws exist because child restraints significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash. A properly installed car seat can reduce fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
How Much is a Seat Belt Ticket in Arizona?
Getting caught without your seat belt in Arizona isn’t just unsafe—it can cost you. Here’s what the fines look like:
- Adult drivers or passengers (front seat) not wearing a seat belt:
- Secondary enforcement applies
- Fine: $10
- Children under 16 not properly restrained:
- Driver is responsible
- Fine: $10 per unbelted child
- Improper child car seat usage (under 8 years or 4’9″):
- Fine: $175
While the fines may not seem high, the real cost shows up after a crash. Not wearing a seat belt could reduce your injury claim compensation—especially if the insurance company argues that your injuries wouldn’t have been as severe had you been properly restrained.
Arizona Car Accidents and Seat Belt Safety
Car safety features like airbags and seat belts are meant to work together in order to keep drivers and passengers safe in the event of a car accident. As we mentioned before, Arizona is a state where seat belts are secondary enforcement, so seat belt usage is around 63%, while in states where it’s a primary enforcement, seat belt usage is around 78%.
If a car gets into an accident where the driver or the passengers are not wearing their seat belts, they have a higher chance of being severely injured in that crash. When seat belts are being used, the airbags will hurt more than save car accident victims. Seat belts and airbags were made to be used together; seat belts hold the passengers in place when the vehicle is hit, and airbags protect the passengers from impact trauma.
If you are involved in a car accident where another driver is at fault, however, you or some passengers were not wearing a seat belt, the compensation for the injuries will be reduced. This can be used by the at-fault driver’s insurance company to contest that the injuries wouldn’t have been as severe. That is why our Phoenix car accident attorneys recommend all passengers in the vehicle should wear a seat belt at all times.