{"id":355926,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:34","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/seat-belt-and-child-restraint-violations.html"},"modified":"2023-10-12T16:20:32","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T21:20:32","slug":"seat-belt-and-child-restraint-violations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/seat-belt-and-child-restraint-violations.html","title":{"rendered":"Seat Belt and Child Restraint Violations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Seat Belt and Child Restraint Violations<\/h1>\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Every state has a law requiring the use of safety belts by adult drivers and passengers in motor vehicles. The exception is New Hampshire<\/a>, whose rule applies only to passengers under 18.<\/p>\r\n

About half of states allow a law enforcement officer to make a traffic stop<\/a> based solely on a seat belt violation (meaning that enforcement of seat belt laws is "primary" in those states). The remaining states require a law enforcement officer to make a traffic stop for a different reason, such as speeding<\/a> or a mechanical violation<\/a> before police can enforce the seat belt law (meaning that enforcement can only be "secondary" in those states).<\/p>\r\n

Child Restraint Violations<\/h2>\r\n

Each state also has traffic laws<\/a> requiring child safety seats for passengers under a certain age or body weight (usually regardless of whether the child is in a front or rear seat). Also, some states prohibit children below a set weight\/age from riding in child safety seats in the front seats of vehicles equipped with passenger-side airbags. Young children who exceed the age or body weight limit for a child safety seat can typically use a standard safety belt for restraint.<\/p>\r\n

Buckling Up for Safety: Tips for All Ages<\/h2>\r\n

The easiest way to protect yourself and your family in a vehicle collision is to buckle up<\/a>. But, infants, children of different ages, and adults should follow different safety recommendations for restraints and safety belts.<\/p>\r\n

Here are some child restraint safety tips<\/a> for babies, children, and teens:<\/p>\r\n