Seat belts and child seats in Sonora (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Drivers and their companions must use the seat belt while the vehicle is moving. Children under 6 must travel in the rear seat in a child safety seat. The fine is set in each municipality's revenue law.
| 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 under 6 must travel in a child safety seat, secured with the adult seat belt following the instructions of the vehicle and seat manufacturers. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | Children under 6 must travel in the rear seat of the vehicle. [1] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | The Law sets no amount: the fine for not wearing a seat belt is set in each municipality's revenue law (Ley de Ingresos), on the bases of the Law. [1] |
Notes
- Article 108 makes the seat belt compulsory for the driver and for their companions (acompañantes) while the vehicle is moving; it does not name front and rear seats separately. Article 236 c) provides a fine for not using the belt or for carrying children under 6 in the front seats without the safety requirements.
Sources
- Congreso del Estado de Sonora: Ley de Tránsito del Estado de Sonora (versión vigente, fecha 12 de diciembre de 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 Sonora
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18 (permit from 16)
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.