Seat belts and child seats in Utah (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The driver and all passengers must wear a seat belt. Each person under 8 must be in a child restraint device unless 57 inches (1.45 m) tall or taller.
| 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 | Each person under 8 must be in a child restraint device, unless the child is 57 inches (1.45 m) or taller, in which case a seat belt is required. The driver must secure persons aged 8 to 15 in a seat belt, and passengers aged 16 or older must wear one. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Sources
- Utah State Legislature: Utah Code 41-6a-1803 Driver and passengers -- Seat belt or child restraint device required (effective 1 May 2024) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Utah and neighbouring states
| State | Seat belt compulsory in front seats | Seat belt compulsory in rear seats | Child restraint required until | Children in the front seat | Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | Yes | Yes | Under 8, unless 57 in (1.45 m) tall | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Arizona | Yes (secondary enforcement) | Under 16 only | Restraint until age 8 or 4 ft 9 in | No seating rule | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Colorado | Yes (adults: secondary enforcement) | Under 18 only | Car seat/booster to age 9; belt or seat to 18 | Back seat if one is available | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Idaho | Yes, all seats | Yes, all seats | Child restraint to age 6, then belt | No seat rule; unrestrained child goes in rear | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | Under 6 or under 57 in: child restraint system | Under 2: back seat; older children may ride in front | No: infants never in front with an airbag |
| Wyoming | Yes | Yes | Under 9 (belt allowed if it fits properly) | Back seat, unless one row or rear belts full | Not allowed |
More rules in Utah
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (licence after 6 months on permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16; under 14 supervised
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no firecrackers, rockets)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed-carry offence covers firearms · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (calls allowed) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any alcohol (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.