The New Arizona Child Restraint Law Clarified!

Graco Nautilus 3-1 Car Seat

On August 2nd 2012, the new child restraint law went into effect in Arizona that will hopefully save lives.  However, it has left many people confused by the requirements and there is misleading information circulating about it.  The new law factors in a combination of age and height and extends the age from 5 to 8.  Here is an explanation and some helpful examples given by About.com's article 'Car Seat Confusion': "The old law required that any child in a passenger vehicle under 5 years old must be secured in a child restraint system.  The new law in Arizona requires:

Any child under 5 years old must be secured in a child restraint system.

Any child at least 5 years old but under 8 years old who is also 4'9" tall or shorter must be secured in a child restraint system. 

It is AND not or, meaning that the law applies to children who meet BOTH the age and height requirements.

Examples:

Your daughter is 6 years old and 4'1" tall. She must be in a child restraint system when riding in a vehicle. She is more than 5 years old but not yet 8 years old, and not taller than 4'9".

Your daughter is 9 years old and 4'5" tall. She is not required by law to be in a child restraint system. Although she is not taller than 4'9", she is not under 8 years old.

Your son is 7 years old and 5'2" tall. He is not required by law to be in a child restraint system. Although he is more than 5 years old but not yet 8 years old, he is taller than 4'9".

Your son is 7 years old, 4'8" tall and weighs 70 pounds. He must be in a child restraint system. He is more than 5 years old but not yet 8 years old, and not taller than 4'9". 

Weight is not a factor in Arizona. The intent of this law is to improve the safety of children riding in our vehicles who are too big for a car seat, but still not big enough for a regular, factory-installed seat belt to provide adequate protection in the event of an accident. Note: there are exceptions to the law for certain types of older vehicles, RVs, and transport for emergencies.

What if you have a child that is older but still rather small? Can you have them use a booster seat in the car? Of course you can, but that's up to you."

Also remember that kids are safer in the back seat than the front. If that is not possible, make sure the airbag is turned off.  

Hopefully this helps clarifies the new law.  Happy and safe driving from your friends at FooteWork!