Signed by Governor Jan Brewer

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires children who are under the age of 8 and less than 4 feet 9 inches tall to be secured with a child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle.

Highlights:

• Requires drivers of motor vehicles to secure all children under the age of 8 who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall in a child restraint system, whereas existing law only required drivers to secure children under the age of 5 with a child restraint device (Sec. 1).

• Defines “child restraint system” as any one of the following (Sec. 1):
• An add-on child-restraint system;
• A built-in child-restraint system;
• A factory-installed built-in child-restraint system;
• A rear-facing child-restraint system; or
• A booster seat.

• Specifies that this bill applies only to motor vehicles that are designed for carrying 10 or fewer passengers, that are manufactured after 1972, and that are equipped with seatbelts (Sec. 1).

• Exempts an individual who operates an authorized emergency vehicle that is transporting a child for medical care from the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes law enforcement officers to ask a driver of a motor vehicle about the age and height of a child in a motor vehicle if the child appears to be in violation of the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires children who are under the age of 8 and less than 4 feet 9 inches tall to be secured with a child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle.

Highlights:

• Requires drivers of motor vehicles to secure all children under the age of 8 who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall in a child restraint system, whereas existing law only required drivers to secure children under the age of 5 with a child restraint device (Sec. 1).

• Defines “child restraint system” as any one of the following (Sec. 1):
• An add-on child-restraint system;
• A built-in child-restraint system;
• A factory-installed built-in child-restraint system;
• A rear-facing child-restraint system; or
• A booster seat.

• Specifies that this bill applies only to motor vehicles that are designed for carrying 10 or fewer passengers, that are manufactured after 1972, and that are equipped with seatbelts (Sec. 1).

• Exempts an individual who operates an authorized emergency vehicle that is transporting a child for medical care from the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes law enforcement officers to ask a driver of a motor vehicle about the age and height of a child in a motor vehicle if the child appears to be in violation of the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text