Seat belts and child seats in Michoacán (2026)
Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
In short: Drivers must wear the seat belt and make sure all passengers do. Children under 6, or who need it by build, must use a safety seat in the rear, children under 12 must always travel in the rear, and booster cushions are required from 5 to 12. Children may ride in front only in a vehicle without rear seats, with the airbag deactivated.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | Passengers under 12, or shorter than 1.45 m, must ride in a rear seat that has a three-point belt, in a child restraint system or booster seat that meets the applicable Mexican Official Standard (NOM). The state law of 2023 adds that a child under 6, or who needs it by build, must use a safety seat suited to height and weight. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | Children under 12 may not be carried in the front seats unless the vehicle has no rear seats; even then they must be secured in a safety seat or restraint suited to their age and build. The Reglamento also requires under-12s or those shorter than 1.45 m to occupy a rear seat. [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Booster seat untilPassenger cars | Children aged 5 to 12 must use a booster cushion. Those aged 5 to 7, weighing 16 to 26 kg and 1.10 to 1.45 m tall, need a booster with a backrest; those aged 8 to 12, weighing 22 to 26 kg and up to 1.45 m tall, may use one without a backrest. [1] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | No [1] |
Notes
- The detailed rules are in the Reglamento of the state mobility law (Periódico Oficial, 2 June 2025, digital consultation copy without legal value), Arts. 459 w) and 677 II. The state law of 2023 (Art. 107 IX) refers to children under 6.
- Children may ride in the front seat only if the vehicle has no rear seat, there is room for a restraint suited to their weight or height, and the airbag system is deactivated.
Sources
- Gobierno del Estado de Michoacán de Ocampo, Secretaría de Desarrollo Urbano y Movilidad: Reglamento de la Ley de Movilidad y Seguridad Vial del Estado de Michoacán de Ocampo (Periódico Oficial, 2 de junio de 2025, décima sección) (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 Michoacán
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 km/h secondary; 50 km/h primary avenues · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h
- 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: Hands-free, one earpiece
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (0.25 mg/L breath)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.