Utah Car Seat Laws (2024) -Rules What Parents Need to Know

According to Utah State Law, children under 8 years of age should be secured in an appropriate child restraint device until they are big enough to use a safety belt between ages 8 and 16.

What is the car seat law in Utah?

Utah Legislature in Sec. § 41-6a-1803 on safety belt and child restraint device reads: "The operator of a motor vehicle operated on a highway shall: (i) wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt; (ii) provide for the protection of each person younger than eight years of age by using a child restraint device to restrain each person in the manner prescribed by the manufacturer of the device; and (iii) provide for the protection of each person eight years of age up to 16 years of age by securing, or causing to be secured, a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt on each person."

Utah State Regulations

Front Seat Laws

When can child sit in front seat in Utah

Utah Rear-Facing Car Seat Laws

The Oregon law says not much about rear-facing seats.

According to the Utah Department of Health, children should remain in a rear-facing car seat until age two.

Utah Forward Facing Car Seat Laws

Utah laws do not mention the age, weight, or height requirements on the forward-facing car seats, just say that all children under eight years of age must ride in an approved child restraint system until they grow over 4 feet 9 inches tall.

It’s best to follow the rules of AAP and NHTSA and the manufacturer’s instructions to safely ride your child in the car.

The rules from Highway Safety of Utah State make it clear that children should ride in a forward-facing car with a harness until they are at least 4 years of age and 40 pounds in weight.

This department also indicates the regulation to keep using the forward-facing for as long as possible for the next car seat stage.

Child Booster Seat Laws in Utah

Utah law says nothing about booster seats, just requires a child to be properly secured in a child restraint device or by a safety belt under 12 years old.

According to the regulations from the Highway Safety Department of Utah, a child who is at least 4 years of age and weighs 40 pounds or more can use a booster seat until he or she outgrows the height or weight limit set by the manufacturer.

Seat Belt Laws for Child in Utah

Utah law says that children between 8 to 12 years old must be properly restrained in either an appropriate child restraint device or by a safety belt.

Once your child outgrows the booster seat, typically around the age of 10~12 years, they’re large enough to wear a seat belt like an adult.

Penalty for Breaking Car Seat Laws in Utah

Not following the Utah State Child Safety Law may be fined up to $45

Utah Car Seat Laws Apply for

It’s the driver’s responsibility to enforcement of the rule for any passenger up to 16 years old.

Exceptions:

The law does not apply to school buses, and vehicles manufactured without safety belts.

When can a child sit in the front seat in Utah?

According to the state law of Utah, your child should keep using the back seat until they are 13.

Taxi Car Seat Law in Utah

Utah law is not clear if taxis are required to follow child restraint laws. You should always stay on the safer side of things and use car seats while traveling in a taxi. There is no moral or legal ground for the driver to stop you from doing that.

Age, Weight, Height Requirements in Utah Law

The Utah laws do not have detailed requirements on the age, weight, or height of a child in the car seat for the different four stages. The Utah State Laws only state below age, weight, and height requirements.

All children under 8 years old riding in a vehicle must be properly secured in an approved child safety seat unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Children between 8 to 12 years old must be properly restrained in either an appropriate child restraint device or by a safety belt.
Everyone 16 years old or older riding inside a vehicle must wear a safety belt if there are seat belts available.

Further Information
What you Need to Know – Four Car Seat Stages