Arizona Booster Seat Law (2026)

Arizona is upgraded to an official-source page because its rule uses the same two numbers many states use, age and 4'9", but on a different age band (5 through 7, not the more common 4 through 7 or under 8).

For 2026 checks, the direct answer is: under 5, a child restraint system in every case; ages 5 through 7, a child restraint system unless the child is taller than 4'9". Arizona's statutory definition of "child restraint system" explicitly includes a booster seat.

The $50 civil penalty can be waived if the driver shows proof of acquiring a compliant restraint after the citation.

Under 5 is unconditional: a child restraint system is required regardless of the child's height. There is no early exit the way some states allow with a height threshold at younger ages.

From age 5 through 7, the requirement continues unless the child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches. That height figure is the same 4'9" benchmark used in several other states, but Arizona applies it starting at age 5 rather than a later age like 8.

A child who is 6 years old and 4'10" is out of the statutory requirement in Arizona. A child who is 7 years old and 4'6" is still covered.

The statute is explicit that a booster seat satisfies the requirement for the 5-through-7 age band, alongside rear-facing and forward-facing harness seats. Arizona does not use separate statutory language distinguishing a booster from a harnessed seat the way some states do; both fall under the same defined term.

Every restraint used to satisfy the statute must meet the federal motor vehicle safety standard for child restraint systems, 49 CFR 571.213.

Arizona's statute exempts vehicles originally manufactured without passenger restraint devices, recreational vehicles, commercial motor vehicle operators holding a valid CDL, emergency medical transport situations, and authorized emergency vehicles transporting children for medical care. It also addresses vehicles without enough passenger space for multiple young children, provided at least one child is properly restrained.

A family car, minivan, or SUV is covered by the statute; these exemptions are for specific vehicle types and situations, not a general exception for everyday driving.

Arizona Revised Statutes 28-907 sets a civil penalty of $50, waived if the driver shows proof the vehicle was subsequently equipped with a child restraint system.

Arizona Revised Statutes 28-907 sets a civil penalty of $50. The penalty is not imposed if the driver makes a sufficient showing that the vehicle has since been equipped with a compliant child restraint system.

No. ARS 28-907 sets restraint requirements for children under 8, and the 4'9" figure is an exit threshold for the 5-through-7 age band, not a requirement for adults. A viral notice claiming Arizona requires adults under a certain height to use booster seats is not this law; see the adult booster seat law fact check. Searches using the phrase "adult booster seat" usually mean the point when a child can move from a booster to the adult seat belt.

Not sure which type fits your child? Use the seat finder — enter age, height, and weight to see the stage and a matching seat.