Seat belts and child seats in Puebla (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: All occupants of a vehicle on public roads must wear the seat belt, and the fine for not wearing one is 10 to 12 UMA. Drivers may not carry anyone under 12 in the front seats or without a child restraint system or safety seat that meets the applicable Mexican Official Standard. Children aged 4 to 12, or shorter than 1.50 m, use a booster seat.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | Drivers may not carry anyone under 12 without a child restraint system or safety seat that meets the requirements of the applicable Mexican Official Standard (NOM). [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | Drivers may not carry anyone under 12 in the front seats. [1] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [2] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | Yes [2] |
| Booster seat untilPassenger cars | Children aged 4 to 6 (15 to 25 kg) must use a booster seat with a backrest and the three-point belt; children aged 6 to 12, or shorter than 1.50 m, ride in the rear seat on a booster seat, which may be backless. [2] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | 10 to 12 UMA for not wearing a seat belt or not making sure all passengers wear one. Carrying a child under 12 in the front seats, or a child under 5 in the rear without a child restraint, is 8 to 12 UMA. [2] |
Notes
- Article 26 XII of the Law (version of 5 December 2023; later reforms not checked) is a prohibition addressed to drivers. The Reglamento (8 September 2025) Art. 48 obliges all occupants to wear the seat belt and Art. 50 sets the child restraint categories.
Sources
- H. Congreso del Estado de Puebla: Ley de Movilidad y Seguridad Vial del Estado de Puebla (versión del 5 de diciembre de 2023) (Internet Archive snapshot of 1 May 2026 of the Congress file) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Gobierno del Estado de Puebla, Secretaría de Gobernación (Orden Jurídico Poblano): Reglamento de la Ley de Movilidad y Seguridad Vial del Estado de Puebla (Periódico Oficial, 8 de septiembre de 2025) (Internet Archive snapshot of 8 December 2025) (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 Puebla
- 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 for a full licence
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free with a holder only
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.