Seat belts and child seats in Tamaulipas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers of motorised vehicles. Anyone under 12, or who by physique needs it, must travel in the rear seats with an approved child restraint system or safety seat. The state minimum fine for breaking the belt and child seat duties is 1 UMA; municipalities may set more.
| 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 | Anyone under 12, or who by physique needs it, must travel in a rear seat with a child restraint system or safety seat that meets the applicable Mexican Official Standard (NOM). [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | Anyone under 12, or who by physique needs it, must travel in the rear seats. [1] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | At least 1 UMA (daily value) for breaking the duties of Article 19 Bis, which include seat belts for all occupants and child seats; municipalities may set higher fines but not lower ones. [2] |
Notes
- The Law states the duty for all passengers of motorised vehicles under the applicable Mexican Official Standard (NOM). It does not name front and rear seats separately.
- Two state laws apply. The Ley de Tránsito (Art. 19 Bis) also requires a child seat in cars for children under 3 and places children under 12 in the rear seat; the Ley de Movilidad (Art. 51) sets the rule shown here.
Sources
- H. Congreso del Estado de Tamaulipas: Ley de Movilidad del Estado de Tamaulipas (documento de consulta, última reforma P.O. Extraordinario No. 15, 30 de marzo de 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- H. Congreso del Estado de Tamaulipas: Ley de Tránsito (Congress consultation document, last reform applied P.O. Extraordinario No. 38 of 5 October 2026) (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 Tamaulipas
- 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
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% (0.4 mg/l breath)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.