Seat belts and child seats in Jalisco (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: In Jalisco seat belts are compulsory for all passengers, and not wearing one is fined 10 to 30 UMA. Children aged 0 to 12 travel in the rear seats in a child restraint system or safety seat, with booster seats for ages 4 to 12 or under 1.50 m. Children under 12 may travel in front only if the vehicle has no rear seats, with the front passenger airbag deactivated where applicable.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | Children aged 0 to 12 must travel in the rear seats in a child restraint system (SRI) or a safety seat suited to their height and weight, meeting the applicable Mexican standard. People over 12 who are shorter than 1.50 m should preferably travel in the rear seats. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | Children under 12 may not travel in the front seats, except in vehicles with no rear seats; in both cases they must be carried in a safety seat, booster seat or suitable restraint system. Where the vehicle has no rear seats, the front passenger frontal airbag must be deactivated where applicable. [1] |
| Booster seat untilPassenger cars | Children aged 4 to 6 or weighing 15 to 25 kg use a booster seat with a backrest and the three-point belt. Children aged 6 to 12 or shorter than 1.50 m use a booster seat, which may be backless, in the rear seat with the three-point belt. [2] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | Not wearing a seat belt, or wearing it incorrectly, by the driver or any passenger: 10 to 30 UMA. [3] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | No [3] |
Notes
- Article 124 sets the minimum traffic measures for travelling on local public roads, and articles 363 and 364 make the breaches an offence of the driver. The copy read states a last reform of 1 August 2023; later reforms and municipal rules were not checked.
- Children may ride in front only in vehicles without rear seats, and the front passenger frontal airbags must then be deactivated where applicable. The regulation (article 80) adds that the airbag must be deactivated if the vehicle has that option.
Sources
- Orden Jurídico Nacional (Secretaría de Gobernación): Ley de Movilidad, Seguridad Vial y Transporte del Estado de Jalisco (copy on Orden Jurídico Nacional; text states last reform P.O. 1 August 2023) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco, Poder Ejecutivo: Reglamento de la Ley de Movilidad, Seguridad Vial y Transporte del Estado de Jalisco (versión de enero de 2024) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- H. Congreso del Estado de Jalisco: Ley de Movilidad, Seguridad Vial y Transporte del Estado de Jalisco (versión consolidada de 14 de agosto de 2023) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in Mexico and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for Mexico
| Seat belt compulsory in front seats (Federal roads) | Yes (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
|---|---|
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seats (Federal roads) | Yes (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
| Children in the front seat (Federal roads) | In cars and vans (vagonetas), children under 7 must travel in the rear seats. (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
| Fine for not wearing a seat belt (Federal roads) | 20 to 25 times the daily quota (cuota diaria), which the regulation defines as one UMA. The same fine applies to a child under 7 in a front seat. (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Presidencia de la República)) |
More rules in Jalisco
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h (state highways)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed (hands-free technology)
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (0.25 mg/L breath) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero for minors
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.