Arizona § 28-909 - Vehicle restraints required; exceptions; civil penalty

Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-909 — Vehicle restraints required; exceptions; civil penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 28-909. Vehicle restraints required; exceptions; civil penalty

A. Each front seat occupant of a motor vehicle that is designed for carrying ten or fewer passengers, that is manufactured for the model year 1972 and thereafter and that is required to be equipped with an integrated lap and shoulder belt or a lap belt pursuant to the federal motor vehicle safety standards prescribed in 49 Code of Federal Regulations section 571.208 shall either:

1. Have the lap and shoulder belt properly adjusted and fastened while the vehicle is in motion.

2. If only a lap belt is installed where the occupant is sitting, have the lap belt properly adjusted and fastened while the vehicle is in motion.

B. The operator of a motor vehicle that is designed for carrying ten or fewer passengers, that is manufactured for the model year 1972 and thereafter and that is required to be equipped with an integrated lap and shoulder belt or a lap belt pursuant to the federal motor vehicle safety standards prescribed in 49 Code of Federal Regulations section 571.208 shall require each passenger under sixteen years of age to either:

1. Have the lap and shoulder belt properly adjusted and fastened while the vehicle is in motion.

2. If only a lap belt is installed where the passenger is sitting, have the lap belt properly adjusted and fastened while the vehicle is in motion.

C. A peace officer shall not stop or issue a citation to a person operating a motor vehicle on a highway in this state for a violation of this section unless the peace officer has reasonable cause to believe there is another alleged violation of a motor vehicle law of this state.

D. If a person is found responsible for a civil traffic violation under this section, a department or agency of this state shall not consider the violation for the purpose of determining whether the person's driver license should be suspended or revoked. A court shall not transmit abstracts of records of violations of this section to the department.

E. An insurer shall not consider a civil traffic violation under this section as a traffic violation against the person for the purposes of establishing rates for motor vehicle liability insurance or determining the insurability of the person. An insurer shall not cancel or refuse to renew any policy of insurance because of the violation.

F. This section does not apply to:

1. A child subject to the requirements of section 28-907.

2. A person possessing a written statement from a physician or a registered nurse practitioner that the person is unable for medical or psychological reasons to wear a lap and shoulder belt or a lap belt.

3. A letter carrier of the United States postal service while the letter carrier is performing the letter carrier's duties.

G. If a person is found responsible for a civil traffic violation under this section, the person is subject to a maximum civil penalty of $10 for each violation.

H. The parent or guardian of a passenger under sixteen years of age or other adult accompanying the passenger under sixteen years of age may be issued a citation for a violation of subsection B of this section that occurs in a fully autonomous vehicle operating with the automated driving system engaged.

Source: official Arizona text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 28-909

What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-909 cover?

Section 28-909 ("Vehicle restraints required; exceptions; civil penalty") is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Arizona. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Arizona § 28-909?

A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-909" (Arizona). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Arizona law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arizona official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.

How does Arizona § 28-909 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arizona can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.