Safety Belt Laws
Safety Belt Laws
Safety belts must be worn by all drivers and front-seat passengers age 8 and over even if the vehicle has air bags. It is the responsibility of the driveri> to ensure that all front-seat passengers ages 8 to 16 obey this law. Anyone found guilty of disobeying this law is subject to a fine and court costs. Children under age 16 are covered by the Child Passenger Protection Act. Achild up to age 16 not in a safety seat must wear safety belts regardless of the location in the vehicle.
Drivers under age 18 are required to limit passengers to one in the front seat and the number of seat belts in the back seat. However, during the first six months of their license (or until they reach age 18, whichever occurs first) they are limited to only one passenger under age 20 (except immediate family, including siblings or children of the driver). All passengers under age 18, with a driver under age 18, regardless of location in the vehicle must be belted. Exceptions are motorcycles and second division vehicles with only a front seat. In a second division vehicle, more than one passenger is allowed, provided that each passenger is in properly secured safety belts.
Child Passenger Protection Act
The Child Passenger Protection Act requires the use of an appropriate safety restraint system for children under age 16. Any person transporting a child under age 16 is responsible for that child’s safety. Children under age 8 must be secured appropriately in an approved child restraint system, which includes a booster seat. A child weighing more than 40 pounds may be transported in the back seat of a motor vehicle while wearing only a lap belt if the back seat is not equipped with a combination lap and shoulder belt.
Air Bag Safety Alert
Air bags must be used along with lap and shoulder safety belts. All children through the age of 12 should ride buckled up in the back seat. Child safety seats should never be installed in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag. Drivers should sit as far away from the steering wheel as possible at least 10 to 12. Hold the steering wheel from the sides so that arms do not come between the air bag cover and the chest. Aim the module toward the chest, not the face. Front passenger seats should be pushed back from the air bag, and passengers should avoid leaning toward the dashboard.
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