Start with your state, then choose a front or rear seat and an age group. The checker shows seat belt wording from the official sources recorded below, along with enforcement language and any verified fine. Use the table to compare adult seat belt rules across states. Each statute or source link opens the matching excerpts on this page, where you can copy the official URL. A cell marked "Not verified" identifies missing evidence. Read the scope of each excerpt before applying it to a particular vehicle or trip. Child restraint and car seat requirements are outside this tool. Educational information only, not legal advice.
Data as of September 30, 2026. Official excerpts are shown below.
Check a state, seat position, and age
Choose a state to see its verified seat belt wording.
Belt requirement
Enforcement wording
Fine or penalty wording
Quoted excerpts. Review the scope and exceptions in the official text.
This checker displays recorded belt wording for the selected age group. Child restraint rules are outside its scope. Educational information, not legal advice.
Adult seat belt laws by state
Compare the quoted wording for front and rear seats. Select a state name to load the checker. The enforcement column keeps the source's wording; it uses primary or secondary only when the official text does.
Adult belt wording for the states and District of Columbia. Not verified marks unavailable evidence for a cell.
State
Front seat adults
Rear seat adults
Enforcement (primary/secondary where stated)
Fine
Statute / source link
Each occupant of a passenger car manufactured with safety belts in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 shall have a safety belt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in motion.
Each occupant of a passenger car manufactured with safety belts in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 shall have a safety belt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in motion.
FrontNot verified
Reara violation of this section in any seat other than a front seat of a vehicle shall be a secondary violation after a lawful stop of the vehicle based on probable cause of another violation of law and the issuance of a citation or warrant of arrest for the violation.
16 years of age or older may not occupy a motor vehicle while being driven on a highway unless restrained by a safety belt;
16 years of age or older may not occupy a motor vehicle while being driven on a highway unless restrained by a safety belt;
the prosecution must prove that the peace officer stopping or detaining the vehicle personally observed the violation of (a) of this section before stopping or detaining the vehicle or otherwise had probable cause to stop or detain the vehicle.
Each front seat occupant of a motor vehicle that is designed for carrying ten or fewer passengers, that is manufactured for the model year 1972 and thereafter and that is required to be equipped with an integrated lap and shoulder belt or a lap belt pursuant to the federal motor vehicle safety standards prescribed in 49 Code of Federal Regulations section 571.208 shall either: 1. Have the lap and shoulder belt properly adjusted and fastened while the vehicle is in motion.
Not verified
FrontA peace officer shall not stop or issue a citation to a person operating a motor vehicle on a highway in this state for a violation of this section unless the peace officer has reasonable cause to believe there is another alleged violation of a motor vehicle law of this state.
RearNot verified
Fronta maximum civil penalty of $10 for each violation.
A person shall not operate a motor vehicle on a highway unless that person and all passengers 16 years of age or over are properly restrained by a safety belt.
A person shall not operate a motor vehicle on a highway unless that person and all passengers 16 years of age or over are properly restrained by a safety belt.
Not verified
a fine of not more than twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense, and a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense.
Unless exempted pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, every driver of and every front seat passenger in a motor vehicle and every driver of and every passenger in an autocycle equipped with a safety belt system shall wear a fastened safety belt while the motor vehicle is being operated on a street or highway in this state.
Not verified
FrontColorado has a secondary enforcement law for adult drivers and front-seat passengers.
The operator of and any passenger in any motor vehicle or fire fighting apparatus originally equipped with seat safety belts complying with the provisions of 49 CFR 571.209, as amended from time to time, shall wear such seat safety belt while the vehicle or fire fighting apparatus is being operated on any highway, except as follows:
The operator of and any passenger in any motor vehicle or fire fighting apparatus originally equipped with seat safety belts complying with the provisions of 49 CFR 571.209, as amended from time to time, shall wear such seat safety belt while the vehicle or fire fighting apparatus is being operated on any highway, except as follows:
FrontNot verified
RearNo law enforcement official may stop a motor vehicle solely for the apparent or actual failure of a back seat passenger who is sixteen years of age or older to wear a seat safety belt.
Any operator of a motor vehicle, who is eighteen years of age or older, and any passenger in such motor vehicle, who violates any provision of this subsection shall have committed an infraction and shall be fined fifty dollars.
The driver of a motor vehicle shall secure or cause to be secured in a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt system, as defined by the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, each occupant of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle who is 16 years of age or older.
The driver of a motor vehicle shall secure or cause to be secured in a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt system, as defined by the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, each occupant of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle who is 16 years of age or older.
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any police officer is authorized to make an administrative stop for purposes of enforcing this section, upon reasonable and articulable suspicion that a violation of this section has occurred.
the driver and all passengers in a motor vehicle shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt while the driver is in control of the vehicle.
the driver and all passengers in a motor vehicle shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt while the driver is in control of the vehicle.
Not verified
The penalty imposed by the Mayor for violating this chapter shall be $50, although the Mayor may subsequently increase the amount of the penalty.
It is unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to be a passenger in the front seat of a motor vehicle or an autocycle unless such person is restrained by a safety belt when the vehicle or autocycle is in motion.
Not verified
Not verified
FrontThirty dollars for all nonmoving traffic violations
Each occupant of the front seat of a passenger vehicle shall, while such passenger vehicle is being operated on a public road, street, or highway of this state, be restrained by a seat safety belt approved under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208.
Not verified
FrontProbable cause for violation of this Code section shall be based solely upon a law enforcement officer's clear and unobstructed view of a person not restrained as required by this Code section.
no person shall operate a motor vehicle upon any public highway unless the person is restrained by a seat belt assembly and all passengers in the front or back seat of the motor vehicle are restrained by a seat belt assembly or are restrained pursuant to section 291-11.5 if they are under ten years of age.
no person shall operate a motor vehicle upon any public highway unless the person is restrained by a seat belt assembly and all passengers in the front or back seat of the motor vehicle are restrained by a seat belt assembly or are restrained pursuant to section 291-11.5 if they are under ten years of age.
Not verified
A fine of $45 for each violation; and (B) A surcharge of $10 that shall be deposited into the neurotrauma special fund; and (2) May be subject to a surcharge of up to $10 that shall be deposited into the trauma system special fund.
each occupant of a motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight of not more than eight thousand (8,000) pounds, and that was manufactured with safety restraints in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, shall have a safety restraint properly fastened about the occupant's body at all times when the vehicle is in motion.
each occupant of a motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight of not more than eight thousand (8,000) pounds, and that was manufactured with safety restraints in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, shall have a safety restraint properly fastened about the occupant's body at all times when the vehicle is in motion.
Enforcement of this section by law enforcement officers may be accomplished only as a secondary action when the operator of the motor vehicle has been detained for a suspected violation of another law.
A person issued a citation pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to a fine of ten dollars ($10.00).
Each driver and passenger of a motor vehicle operated on a street or highway in this State shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat safety belt.
Each driver and passenger of a motor vehicle operated on a street or highway in this State shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat safety belt.
Not verified
A violation of this Section shall be a petty offense and subject to a fine not to exceed $25.
The driver and front seat occupants of a type of motor vehicle that is subject to registration in Iowa, except a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle, shall each wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt or safety harness any time the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway in this state except that a child under eighteen years of age shall be secured as required under section 321.446.
Not verified
Not verified
FrontFor a violation under section 321.445, the scheduled fine is seventy dollars.
Each occupant of either a passenger car manufactured with safety belts in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208 or an autocycle, who is 18 years of age or older, shall have a safety belt properly fastened about such person's body at all times when the passenger car is in motion;
Each occupant of either a passenger car manufactured with safety belts in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208 or an autocycle, who is 18 years of age or older, shall have a safety belt properly fastened about such person's body at all times when the passenger car is in motion;
FrontNot verified
RearLaw enforcement officers shall not stop drivers for violations of subsection (a)(1) by a back seat occupant in the absence of another violation of law.
Persons violating K.S.A. 8-2503 (a)(1), and amendments thereto, shall be fined $30 and no court costs;
A person shall not operate a motor vehicle manufactured after 1981 on the public roadways of this state unless the driver and all passengers are wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, unless the passenger is a child who is secured as required in subsection (3) of this section.
A person shall not operate a motor vehicle manufactured after 1981 on the public roadways of this state unless the driver and all passengers are wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, unless the passenger is a child who is secured as required in subsection (3) of this section.
Not verified
Any person who violates the provisions of KRS 189.125(6) shall be fined an amount not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25).
each occupant of a passenger car, van, sports utility vehicle, or truck having a gross weight of twenty-six thousand pounds or less in this state shall have a safety belt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion.
each occupant of a passenger car, van, sports utility vehicle, or truck having a gross weight of twenty-six thousand pounds or less in this state shall have a safety belt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion.
Probable cause for violation of this Section shall be based solely upon a law enforcement officer's clear and unobstructed view of a person not restrained as required by this Section.
Upon conviction of a first offense, the fine shall be fifty dollars which shall include all costs of court. (b) Upon conviction of a second offense, the fine shall be seventy-five dollars which shall include all costs of court. (c) Upon conviction of a third offense and any subsequent offense, the fine shall be seventy-five dollars plus all costs of court. (2) Any person who violates the provisions of this Section in Orleans Parish shall have an additional twenty dollar penalty assessed for each violation.
When a person 18 years of age or older is a passenger in a vehicle that is required by the United States Department of Transportation to be equipped with seat belts, the passenger must be properly secured in a seat belt.
When a person 18 years of age or older is a passenger in a vehicle that is required by the United States Department of Transportation to be equipped with seat belts, the passenger must be properly secured in a seat belt.
An Act To Make Failure To Wear a Seat Belt a Primary Offense
Violation of this subsection is a traffic infraction for which a fine of $50 for the first offense, $125 for the 2nd offense and $250 for the 3rd and subsequent offenses must be imposed.
Unless a person is restrained by a seat belt, the person may not be a passenger in an outboard front seat of a motor vehicle.
Unless a person is restrained by a seat belt, the person may not be a passenger in a rear seat of a motor vehicle.
FrontNot verified
RearA police officer may enforce this paragraph only as a secondary action when the police officer detains a driver of a motor vehicle for a suspected violation of another provision of the Code.
Any person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to a fine of not more than $50.
No person shall operate a private passenger motor vehicle or ride in a private passenger motor vehicle, a vanpool vehicle or truck under eighteen thousand pounds on any way unless such person is wearing a safety belt which is properly adjusted and fastened;
No person shall operate a private passenger motor vehicle or ride in a private passenger motor vehicle, a vanpool vehicle or truck under eighteen thousand pounds on any way unless such person is wearing a safety belt which is properly adjusted and fastened;
The provisions of this section shall be enforced by law enforcement agencies only when an operator of a motor vehicle has been stopped for a violation of the motor vehicle laws or some other offense.
Each operator and front seat passenger of a motor vehicle operated on a street or highway in this state shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt, except that a child who is less than 13 years of age must be protected as required in section 710d.
Not verified
Not verified
FrontFor a violation of section 710e, the civil fine and court costs ordered under this subsection must be $25.00.
a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, including both the shoulder and lap belt when the vehicle is so equipped, must be worn by the driver and passengers of a passenger vehicle, commercial motor vehicle, type III vehicle, and type III Head Start vehicle.
a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, including both the shoulder and lap belt when the vehicle is so equipped, must be worn by the driver and passengers of a passenger vehicle, commercial motor vehicle, type III vehicle, and type III Head Start vehicle.
Not verified
A person who is 15 years of age or older and who violates paragraph (a) is subject to a fine of $25.
When a passenger motor vehicle is operated in a forward motion on a public road, street or highway within this state, every operator and every passenger shall wear a properly fastened safety seat belt system.
When a passenger motor vehicle is operated in a forward motion on a public road, street or highway within this state, every operator and every passenger shall wear a properly fastened safety seat belt system.
On May 27, 2006, Mississippi became the 22nd State to implement a primary safety belt law.
Each driver, except persons employed by the United States Postal Service while performing duties for that federal agency which require the operator to service postal boxes from their vehicles, or which require frequent entry into and exit from their vehicles, and front seat passenger of a passenger car manufactured after January 1, 1968, operated on a street or highway in this state, and persons less than eighteen years of age operating or riding in a truck, as defined in section 301.010 , on a street or highway of this state shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt that meets federal National Highway, Transportation and Safety Act requirements.
Not verified
FrontNo person shall be stopped, inspected, or detained solely to determine compliance with this subsection.
A driver may not operate a motor vehicle upon a highway of the state of Montana unless each occupant of a designated seating position is wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt or, if 61-9-420 applies, is properly restrained in a child safety restraint.
A driver may not operate a motor vehicle upon a highway of the state of Montana unless each occupant of a designated seating position is wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt or, if 61-9-420 applies, is properly restrained in a child safety restraint.
upon reasonable cause to believe that the driver has violated another traffic regulation or that the driver's vehicle is unsafe or not equipped as required by law;
A driver who violates 61-13-103 shall be fined $20,
no driver shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or street in this state unless the driver and each front-seat occupant in the vehicle are wearing occupant protection systems and all occupant protection systems worn are properly adjusted and fastened.
Not verified
FrontEnforcement of section 60-6,270 by state or local law enforcement agencies shall be accomplished only as a secondary action when a driver of a motor vehicle has been cited or charged with a violation or some other offense.
RearNot verified
FrontAny person who violates section 60-6,270 shall be guilty of a traffic infraction and shall be fined twenty-five dollars, but no court costs shall be assessed against him or her nor shall any points be assessed against the driving record of such person.
who rides in the front or back seat of any vehicle described in subsection 1, having an unladen weight of less than 10,000 pounds, on any highway, road or street in this State shall wear a safety belt if one is available for the seating position of the person or passenger.
who rides in the front or back seat of any vehicle described in subsection 1, having an unladen weight of less than 10,000 pounds, on any highway, road or street in this State shall wear a safety belt if one is available for the seating position of the person or passenger.
A civil infraction citation may be issued pursuant to NRS 484A.7035 only if the violation is discovered when the vehicle is halted or its driver arrested for another alleged violation or offense.
Any person who violates the provisions of subsection 2 shall be punished by a civil penalty of not more than $25 or by a sentence to perform a certain number of hours of community service.
In New Jersey, all passengers of a vehicle (front and back) must wear a seat belt.
In New Jersey, all passengers of a vehicle (front and back) must wear a seat belt.
FrontFailure to wear a seat belt as a front seat passenger is a primary offense, allowing law enforcement to stop the vehicle if an officer does not see a seat belt being used.
RearFor passengers in the back seat, failure to wear a seat belt is a secondary offense.
FrontThe state's primary seat belt law requires all motorists and passengers in the front seat, including passengers under the age of 18, to wear a seat belt or be securely buckled in a car seat, or face a $46 fine.
Reara summons and fine of $46 to unrestrained adults in the back seat
All passengers of a motor vehicle must be properly restrained by a seatbelt or appropriate child restraint system regardless of age or seating position.
All passengers of a motor vehicle must be properly restrained by a seatbelt or appropriate child restraint system regardless of age or seating position.
New York is a "primary enforcement" state.
The fine for a seat belt violation involving an unrestrained person who is 16 years of age or older is a fine of up to $50.
each occupant of a motor vehicle manufactured with seat belts shall have a seatbelt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway in this State.
each occupant of a motor vehicle manufactured with seat belts shall have a seatbelt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway in this State.
FrontNot verified
RearFailure of a rear seat occupant of a vehicle to wear a seat belt shall not be justification for the stop of a vehicle.
Fronta penalty of twenty-five dollars and fifty cents ($25.50) plus the following court costs:
RearAny rear seat occupant of a vehicle who fails to wear a seat belt as required by this section shall have committed an infraction and shall pay a penalty of ten dollars ($10.00) and no court costs.
A driver may not operate upon a highway a motor vehicle designed for carrying fewer than eleven passengers, which was originally manufactured with safety belts unless each occupant is wearing a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt.
A driver may not operate upon a highway a motor vehicle designed for carrying fewer than eleven passengers, which was originally manufactured with safety belts unless each occupant is wearing a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt.
Occupy, as a passenger, a seating position on the front seat of an automobile being operated on any street or highway unless that person is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device;
Not verified
Frontno law enforcement officer shall cause an operator of an automobile being operated on any street or highway to stop the automobile for the sole purpose of determining whether a violation of division (B) of this section has been or is being committed or for the sole purpose of issuing a ticket, citation, or summons for a violation of that nature or causing the arrest of or commencing a prosecution of a person for a violation of that nature, and no law enforcement officer shall view the interior or visually inspect any automobile being operated on any street or highway for the sole purpose of determining whether a violation of that nature has been or is being committed.
RearNot verified
FrontWhoever violates division (B)(1) of this section shall be fined thirty dollars. (2) Whoever violates division (B)(3) of this section shall be fined twenty dollars.
Every operator and front seat passenger of a Class A commercial motor vehicle, Class B commercial motor vehicle, Class C commercial motor vehicle or a passenger vehicle operated in this state shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety seat belt system, required to be installed in the motor vehicle when manufactured pursuant to 49 C.F.R., Section 571.208.
Not verified
Not verified
FrontFine and court costs for violating the provisions of this section shall not exceed Twenty Dollars ($20.00).
Oregon law requires that all motor vehicle operators and passengers be properly secured with a safety belt or safety harness, unless all safety-belt equipped seating positions are occupied by other persons.
Oregon law requires that all motor vehicle operators and passengers be properly secured with a safety belt or safety harness, unless all safety-belt equipped seating positions are occupied by other persons.
Any operator of a motor vehicle transporting a person eighteen (18) years of age and older in any seating position of a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets or highways of this state shall ensure that the person be properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system, as defined by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208.
Any operator of a motor vehicle transporting a person eighteen (18) years of age and older in any seating position of a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets or highways of this state shall ensure that the person be properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system, as defined by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208.
The Seat Belt Use Law is a primary law for all ages, meaning you can be pulled over if anyone is unbuckled.
Vehicle operator is responsible for compliance of sections (f) and (g). The fine for violation of this section is $40.00 per occupant.
The driver and every occupant of a motor vehicle, when it is being operated on the public streets and highways of this State, must wear a fastened safety belt which complies with all provisions of federal law for its use.
The driver and every occupant of a motor vehicle, when it is being operated on the public streets and highways of this State, must wear a fastened safety belt which complies with all provisions of federal law for its use.
A law enforcement officer must not stop a driver for a violation of this article except when the officer has probable cause that a violation has occurred based on his clear and unobstructed view of a driver or an occupant of the motor vehicle who is not wearing a safety belt or is not secured in a child restraint system as required by Article 47 of this chapter.
A person who is adjudicated to be in violation of the provisions of this article must be fined not more than twenty-five dollars, no part of which may be suspended. No court costs, assessments, or surcharges may be assessed against a person who violates a provision of this article.
every operator and front seat passenger of a passenger vehicle operated on a public highway in this state shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety seat belt system, required to be installed in the passenger vehicle when manufactured pursuant to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 208 (49 C.F.R. 571.208) in effect January 1, 1989, at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion.
Not verified
FrontEnforcement of this chapter by state or local law enforcement agencies shall be accomplished as a secondary action.
All drivers and front seat passengers are covered by the seat belt law and must have a seat belt properly fastened about their bodies at all times when the vehicle is in a forward motion.
Not verified
FrontTenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-603 describes Tennessee as a primary safety belt state.
RearNot verified
Fronta fine of $30.00 for a first violation, and fifty-five dollars $55.00 for a second or subsequent violation
The operator of a motor vehicle shall be guilty of a violation of this section if any person 18 years of age or older is occupying a seating position that has been manufactured with a federally approved safety belt system and is not restrained by the safety belt system while the motor vehicle is in motion on a public highway.
The operator of a motor vehicle shall be guilty of a violation of this section if any person 18 years of age or older is occupying a seating position that has been manufactured with a federally approved safety belt system and is not restrained by the safety belt system while the motor vehicle is in motion on a public highway.
This section may be enforced only if a law enforcement officer has detained the operator of a motor vehicle for another suspected traffic violation.
$25.00 for a first violation; (2) $50.00 for a second violation; and (3) $100.00 for third and subsequent violations.
Any driver, and any other person at least 18 years of age and occupying a seat, of a motor vehicle equipped or required by the provisions of this title to be equipped with a safety belt system, consisting of lap belts, shoulder harnesses, combinations thereof or similar devices, shall wear the appropriate safety belt system at all times while the motor vehicle is in motion on any public highway.
Any driver, and any other person at least 18 years of age and occupying a seat, of a motor vehicle equipped or required by the provisions of this title to be equipped with a safety belt system, consisting of lap belts, shoulder harnesses, combinations thereof or similar devices, shall wear the appropriate safety belt system at all times while the motor vehicle is in motion on any public highway.
No law-enforcement officer shall stop a motor vehicle for a violation of this section.
Every person sixteen years of age or older operating or riding in a motor vehicle shall wear the safety belt assembly in a properly adjusted and securely fastened manner.
Every person sixteen years of age or older operating or riding in a motor vehicle shall wear the safety belt assembly in a properly adjusted and securely fastened manner.
A person may not operate a passenger vehicle on a public street or highway of this state unless the person, any passenger in the back seat under 18 years of age, and any passenger in the front seat of the passenger vehicle is restrained by a safety belt meeting applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Not verified
Not verified
FrontAny person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined $25. No court costs or other fees may be assessed for a violation of this section.
If a motor vehicle is required to be equipped with safety belts in this state, no person who is at least 8 years old and who is seated at a designated seating position in the front seat required under 49 CFR 571 to have a safety belt installed or at a designated seating position in the seats, other than the front seats, for which a safety belt is required to be installed may be a passenger in that motor vehicle unless the person is properly restrained.
If a motor vehicle is required to be equipped with safety belts in this state, no person who is at least 8 years old and who is seated at a designated seating position in the front seat required under 49 CFR 571 to have a safety belt installed or at a designated seating position in the seats, other than the front seats, for which a safety belt is required to be installed may be a passenger in that motor vehicle unless the person is properly restrained.
Effective June 30, 2009, Wisconsin also has a primary enforcement seat belt law for adults.
Ten ($10) dollars for driver and adult passengers.
Each driver and passenger of a motor vehicle operated in this state shall wear, and each driver of a motor vehicle shall require that a passenger under twelve (12) years of age shall wear, a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt when the motor vehicle is in motion on public streets and highways.
Each driver and passenger of a motor vehicle operated in this state shall wear, and each driver of a motor vehicle shall require that a passenger under twelve (12) years of age shall wear, a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt when the motor vehicle is in motion on public streets and highways.
No motor vehicle shall be halted solely for a violation of this section.
The driver who violates this section may be issued a citation and may be subject to a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00). Any passenger who violates this section may be issued a citation and may be subject to a fine of not more than ten dollars ($10.00).
Fines retain the source's qualifications. We do not calculate a ticket total. Statute and source links open the quoted evidence on this homepage.
Seat belt law questions
How do I check front and rear seat belt rules?
Choose a state and a seat position. The result quotes the recorded requirement for that position. The adult table below also has separate front and rear columns.
What do primary and secondary enforcement mean?
Primary enforcement seat belt use laws permit law enforcement officers to stop and cite a violator independent of any other traffic violation. Secondary enforcement laws allow law enforcement officers to cite violators only after they first have been stopped for some other traffic violation
Does New Hampshire have an adult seat belt law?
NH is the only state in the country that does not have an adult seat belt law. Read the New Hampshire source excerpts below.
Does the age picker check car seat requirements?
The age picker shows Adult and any named child belt age groups verified for this checker. It displays the belt excerpt for that group. Car seat and booster seat eligibility are outside this tool.
Does the fine column calculate a ticket total?
It repeats the verified fine or penalty wording. Keep qualifications such as first offense, driver, passenger, or court costs with that wording. This checker does not calculate a ticket total.
What does Not verified mean?
It marks a cell for which usable official wording was not verified during this build. Check the source excerpts for the wording that was read. Treat this label as missing evidence about that cell.
Official sources and verification notes
We recorded visible text from official state statutes and state agencies. The enforcement definitions quote a NHTSA publication hosted by the Maine Department of Public Safety. Where an official page blocked this server, a readable archive copy dated 2025 or later is identified below. Quotes retain their words, with straight punctuation in the display. Each official URL is shown as text for copying.
Alabama: source excerpts
Each occupant of a passenger car manufactured with safety belts in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 shall have a safety belt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in motion.
Official URL: https://www.alea.gov/dps/highway-patrol/seat-belt-law
a violation of this section in any seat other than a front seat of a vehicle shall be a secondary violation after a lawful stop of the vehicle based on probable cause of another violation of law and the issuance of a citation or warrant of arrest for the violation.
Official URL: https://www.alea.gov/dps/highway-patrol/seat-belt-law
Alaska: source excerpts
16 years of age or older may not occupy a motor vehicle while being driven on a highway unless restrained by a safety belt;
Official URL: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=28.05.095&secEnd=28.05.095
the prosecution must prove that the peace officer stopping or detaining the vehicle personally observed the violation of (a) of this section before stopping or detaining the vehicle or otherwise had probable cause to stop or detain the vehicle.
Official URL: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=28.05.095&secEnd=28.05.095
may be fined up to $15
Official URL: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=28.05.096&secEnd=28.05.099
Arizona: source excerpts
Each front seat occupant of a motor vehicle that is designed for carrying ten or fewer passengers, that is manufactured for the model year 1972 and thereafter and that is required to be equipped with an integrated lap and shoulder belt or a lap belt pursuant to the federal motor vehicle safety standards prescribed in 49 Code of Federal Regulations section 571.208 shall either: 1. Have the lap and shoulder belt properly adjusted and fastened while the vehicle is in motion.
Official URL: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00909.htm
A peace officer shall not stop or issue a citation to a person operating a motor vehicle on a highway in this state for a violation of this section unless the peace officer has reasonable cause to believe there is another alleged violation of a motor vehicle law of this state.
Official URL: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00909.htm
a maximum civil penalty of $10 for each violation.
Official URL: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00909.htm
Arkansas: source excerpts
Arkansas law makes it illegal to drive or to be a front-seat passenger, without wearing a safety belt.
Official URL: https://media.ark.org/dps/Arkansas-DL-Manual-English-1.pdf
a fine not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00), and any court costs or fees.
Official URL: https://media.ark.org/dps/Arkansas-DL-Manual-English-1.pdf
California: source excerpts
A person shall not operate a motor vehicle on a highway unless that person and all passengers 16 years of age or over are properly restrained by a safety belt.
Official URL: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=27315&lawCode=VEH
Colorado has a secondary enforcement law for adult drivers and front-seat passengers.
Official URL: https://www.codot.gov/safety/seatbelts
Fines for not buckling up begin at $65
Official URL: https://www.codot.gov/news/2023/july/mid-summer-seat-belt-enforcement-period-begins-monday
Unless exempted pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, every driver of and every front seat passenger in a motor vehicle and every driver of and every passenger in an autocycle equipped with a safety belt system shall wear a fastened safety belt while the motor vehicle is being operated on a street or highway in this state.
Official URL: https://www.codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety/assets/documents/model-traffic-code-for-colorado.pdf
Connecticut: source excerpts
The operator of and any passenger in any motor vehicle or fire fighting apparatus originally equipped with seat safety belts complying with the provisions of 49 CFR 571.209, as amended from time to time, shall wear such seat safety belt while the vehicle or fire fighting apparatus is being operated on any highway, except as follows:
Official URL: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_246.htm
No law enforcement official may stop a motor vehicle solely for the apparent or actual failure of a back seat passenger who is sixteen years of age or older to wear a seat safety belt.
Official URL: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_246.htm
Any operator of a motor vehicle, who is eighteen years of age or older, and any passenger in such motor vehicle, who violates any provision of this subsection shall have committed an infraction and shall be fined fifty dollars.
Official URL: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_246.htm
The operator of such vehicle shall secure or cause to be secured in a seat safety belt any passenger eight years of age or older and under sixteen years of age.
Official URL: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_246.htm
The driver of a motor vehicle shall secure or cause to be secured in a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt system, as defined by the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, each occupant of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle who is 16 years of age or older.
Official URL: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/c048/index.html
a civil penalty of $25 shall be imposed.
Official URL: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/c048/index.html
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any police officer is authorized to make an administrative stop for purposes of enforcing this section, upon reasonable and articulable suspicion that a violation of this section has occurred.
Official URL: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/c048/index.html
District of Columbia: source excerpts
the driver and all passengers in a motor vehicle shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt while the driver is in control of the vehicle.
Official URL: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-1802
The penalty imposed by the Mayor for violating this chapter shall be $50, although the Mayor may subsequently increase the amount of the penalty.
Official URL: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-1806
Florida: source excerpts
It is unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to be a passenger in the front seat of a motor vehicle or an autocycle unless such person is restrained by a safety belt when the vehicle or autocycle is in motion.
Official URL: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.614.html
Thirty dollars for all nonmoving traffic violations
Official URL: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0318/Sections/0318.18.html
Any person who violates the provisions of this section commits a nonmoving violation, punishable as provided in chapter 318.
Official URL: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.614.html
Georgia: source excerpts
Each occupant of the front seat of a passenger vehicle shall, while such passenger vehicle is being operated on a public road, street, or highway of this state, be restrained by a seat safety belt approved under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208.
Official URL: https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/seat-belt-laws/
Probable cause for violation of this Code section shall be based solely upon a law enforcement officer's clear and unobstructed view of a person not restrained as required by this Code section.
Official URL: https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/seat-belt-laws/
Each minor eight years of age or older who is an occupant of a passenger vehicle shall, while such passenger vehicle is being operated on a public road, street, or highway of this state, be restrained by a seat safety belt approved under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208.
Official URL: https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/seat-belt-laws/
no person shall operate a motor vehicle upon any public highway unless the person is restrained by a seat belt assembly and all passengers in the front or back seat of the motor vehicle are restrained by a seat belt assembly or are restrained pursuant to section 291-11.5 if they are under ten years of age.
Official URL: https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0291/HRS_0291-0011_0006.htm
A fine of $45 for each violation; and (B) A surcharge of $10 that shall be deposited into the neurotrauma special fund; and (2) May be subject to a surcharge of up to $10 that shall be deposited into the trauma system special fund.
Official URL: https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0291/HRS_0291-0011_0006.htm
Idaho: source excerpts
each occupant of a motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight of not more than eight thousand (8,000) pounds, and that was manufactured with safety restraints in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, shall have a safety restraint properly fastened about the occupant's body at all times when the vehicle is in motion.
Official URL: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title49/t49ch6/sect49-673/
Enforcement of this section by law enforcement officers may be accomplished only as a secondary action when the operator of the motor vehicle has been detained for a suspected violation of another law.
Official URL: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title49/t49ch6/sect49-673/
Each driver and passenger of a motor vehicle operated on a street or highway in this State shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat safety belt.
Official URL: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K12-603.1.htm
Each driver of a motor vehicle transporting a child 8 years of age or more, but less than 16 years of age, shall secure the child in a properly adjusted and fastened seat safety belt as required under the Child Passenger Protection Act.
Official URL: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K12-603.1.htm
All passengers must be properly restrained either by using a seat belt or a child restraint system.
Official URL: https://www.in.gov/isp/driving-safety/child-passenger-safety/
Indiana has a standard or primary seat belt law. You can be stopped and ticketed for failing to wear your seat belt.
Official URL: https://faqs.in.gov/hc/en-us/articles/115005236588-What-is-the-Indiana-law-concerning-seat-belts
Iowa: source excerpts
The driver and front seat occupants of a type of motor vehicle that is subject to registration in Iowa, except a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle, shall each wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt or safety harness any time the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway in this state except that a child under eighteen years of age shall be secured as required under section 321.446.
Official URL: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/321.445.pdf
For a violation under section 321.445, the scheduled fine is seventy dollars.
Official URL: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/805.8A.pdf
Kansas: source excerpts
Each occupant of either a passenger car manufactured with safety belts in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208 or an autocycle, who is 18 years of age or older, shall have a safety belt properly fastened about such person's body at all times when the passenger car is in motion;
Official URL: https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch08/008_025_0003.html
Law enforcement officers shall not stop drivers for violations of subsection (a)(1) by a back seat occupant in the absence of another violation of law.
Official URL: https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch08/008_025_0003.html
Persons violating K.S.A. 8-2503 (a)(1), and amendments thereto, shall be fined $30 and no court costs;
Official URL: https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch08/008_025_0004.html
each occupant of either a passenger car manufactured with safety belts in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208 or an autocycle, who is at least 14 years of age but less than 18 years of age, shall have a safety belt properly fastened about such person's body at all times when the passenger car is in motion.
Official URL: https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch08/008_025_0003.html
at least 14 years of age but less than 18 years of age
Official URL: https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch08/008_025_0003.html
persons violating K.S.A. 8-2503 (a)(2), and amendments thereto, shall be fined $60 and no court costs.
Official URL: https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch08/008_025_0004.html
Kentucky: source excerpts
A person shall not operate a motor vehicle manufactured after 1981 on the public roadways of this state unless the driver and all passengers are wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, unless the passenger is a child who is secured as required in subsection (3) of this section.
Official URL: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=45204
Any person who violates the provisions of KRS 189.125(6) shall be fined an amount not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25).
Official URL: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=57417
Louisiana: source excerpts
each occupant of a passenger car, van, sports utility vehicle, or truck having a gross weight of twenty-six thousand pounds or less in this state shall have a safety belt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion.
Official URL: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=88232
Upon conviction of a first offense, the fine shall be fifty dollars which shall include all costs of court. (b) Upon conviction of a second offense, the fine shall be seventy-five dollars which shall include all costs of court. (c) Upon conviction of a third offense and any subsequent offense, the fine shall be seventy-five dollars plus all costs of court. (2) Any person who violates the provisions of this Section in Orleans Parish shall have an additional twenty dollar penalty assessed for each violation.
Official URL: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=88232
Probable cause for violation of this Section shall be based solely upon a law enforcement officer's clear and unobstructed view of a person not restrained as required by this Section.
Official URL: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=88232
Maine: source excerpts
When a person 18 years of age or older is a passenger in a vehicle that is required by the United States Department of Transportation to be equipped with seat belts, the passenger must be properly secured in a seat belt.
Official URL: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec2081.html
Violation of this subsection is a traffic infraction for which a fine of $50 for the first offense, $125 for the 2nd offense and $250 for the 3rd and subsequent offenses must be imposed.
Official URL: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec2081.html
An Act To Make Failure To Wear a Seat Belt a Primary Offense
Official URL: https://www.legislature.maine.gov/ros/LOM/LOM123rd/pdf/PUBLIC60.pdf
Maryland: source excerpts
Unless a person is restrained by a seat belt, the person may not be a passenger in an outboard front seat of a motor vehicle.
Official URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=22-412.3&enactments=false
Unless a person is restrained by a seat belt, the person may not be a passenger in a rear seat of a motor vehicle.
Official URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=22-412.3&enactments=false
A police officer may enforce this paragraph only as a secondary action when the police officer detains a driver of a motor vehicle for a suspected violation of another provision of the Code.
Official URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=22-412.3&enactments=false
Any person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to a fine of not more than $50.
Official URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=22-412.3&enactments=false
Massachusetts: source excerpts
No person shall operate a private passenger motor vehicle or ride in a private passenger motor vehicle, a vanpool vehicle or truck under eighteen thousand pounds on any way unless such person is wearing a safety belt which is properly adjusted and fastened;
Official URL: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section13A
The provisions of this section shall be enforced by law enforcement agencies only when an operator of a motor vehicle has been stopped for a violation of the motor vehicle laws or some other offense.
Official URL: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section13A
Any operator of a motor vehicle shall be subject to an additional fine of twenty-five dollars for each person under the age of sixteen and no younger than twelve who is a passenger in said motor vehicle and not wearing a safety belt.
Official URL: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section13A
Each operator and front seat passenger of a motor vehicle operated on a street or highway in this state shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt, except that a child who is less than 13 years of age must be protected as required in section 710d.
Official URL: https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-257-710E
Except as otherwise provided in section 710d, each operator of a motor vehicle transporting a child 13 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age in a motor vehicle shall secure the child in a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt and seated as required under this section.
Official URL: https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-257-710E
a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, including both the shoulder and lap belt when the vehicle is so equipped, must be worn by the driver and passengers of a passenger vehicle, commercial motor vehicle, type III vehicle, and type III Head Start vehicle.
Official URL: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.686
A person who is 15 years of age or older and who violates paragraph (a) is subject to a fine of $25.
Official URL: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.686
Mississippi: source excerpts
When a passenger motor vehicle is operated in a forward motion on a public road, street or highway within this state, every operator and every passenger shall wear a properly fastened safety seat belt system.
Official URL: https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/1.15.2025%20Revised%20MDPS%20Driver%27s%20Manual.pdf
On May 27, 2006, Mississippi became the 22nd State to implement a primary safety belt law.
Official URL: https://www.dps.ms.gov/sites/dps/files/MS_FY23_HSP.pdf
Missouri: source excerpts
Each driver, except persons employed by the United States Postal Service while performing duties for that federal agency which require the operator to service postal boxes from their vehicles, or which require frequent entry into and exit from their vehicles, and front seat passenger of a passenger car manufactured after January 1, 1968, operated on a street or highway in this state, and persons less than eighteen years of age operating or riding in a truck, as defined in section 301.010 , on a street or highway of this state shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt that meets federal National Highway, Transportation and Safety Act requirements.
Official URL: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=307.178
No person shall be stopped, inspected, or detained solely to determine compliance with this subsection.
Official URL: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=307.178
a fine not to exceed ten dollars
Official URL: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=307.178
Montana: source excerpts
A driver may not operate a motor vehicle upon a highway of the state of Montana unless each occupant of a designated seating position is wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt or, if 61-9-420 applies, is properly restrained in a child safety restraint.
Official URL: https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0130/part_0010/section_0030/0610-0130-0010-0030.html
upon reasonable cause to believe that the driver has violated another traffic regulation or that the driver's vehicle is unsafe or not equipped as required by law;
Official URL: https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0130/part_0010/section_0030/0610-0130-0010-0030.html
A driver who violates 61-13-103 shall be fined $20,
Official URL: https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0130/part_0010/section_0040/0610-0130-0010-0040.html
Nebraska: source excerpts
no driver shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or street in this state unless the driver and each front-seat occupant in the vehicle are wearing occupant protection systems and all occupant protection systems worn are properly adjusted and fastened.
Official URL: https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-6,270
Enforcement of section 60-6,270 by state or local law enforcement agencies shall be accomplished only as a secondary action when a driver of a motor vehicle has been cited or charged with a violation or some other offense.
Official URL: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-6%2C271
Any person who violates section 60-6,270 shall be guilty of a traffic infraction and shall be fined twenty-five dollars, but no court costs shall be assessed against him or her nor shall any points be assessed against the driving record of such person.
Official URL: https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-6,272
who rides in the front or back seat of any vehicle described in subsection 1, having an unladen weight of less than 10,000 pounds, on any highway, road or street in this State shall wear a safety belt if one is available for the seating position of the person or passenger.
Official URL: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-484D.html
A civil infraction citation may be issued pursuant to NRS 484A.7035 only if the violation is discovered when the vehicle is halted or its driver arrested for another alleged violation or offense.
Official URL: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-484D.html
Any person who violates the provisions of subsection 2 shall be punished by a civil penalty of not more than $25 or by a sentence to perform a certain number of hours of community service.
Official URL: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-484D.html
In New Jersey, all passengers of a vehicle (front and back) must wear a seat belt.
Official URL: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/drivertopics/driversafe.htm
Failure to wear a seat belt as a front seat passenger is a primary offense, allowing law enforcement to stop the vehicle if an officer does not see a seat belt being used. For passengers in the back seat, failure to wear a seat belt is a secondary offense.
Official URL: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/drivertopics/driversafe.htm
a summons and fine of $46 to unrestrained adults in the back seat
Official URL: https://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases19/pr20190514a.html
The state's primary seat belt law requires all motorists and passengers in the front seat, including passengers under the age of 18, to wear a seat belt or be securely buckled in a car seat, or face a $46 fine.
Official URL: https://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases19/pr20190514a.html
Failure to wear a seat belt as a front seat passenger is a primary offense, allowing law enforcement to stop the vehicle if an officer does not see a seat belt being used.
Official URL: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/drivertopics/driversafe.htm
For passengers in the back seat, failure to wear a seat belt is a secondary offense.
Official URL: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/drivertopics/driversafe.htm
New Mexico: source excerpts
New Mexico has a primary enforcement seat belt law
Official URL: https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/seat-belt-law/
All passengers of a motor vehicle must be properly restrained by a seatbelt or appropriate child restraint system regardless of age or seating position.
Official URL: https://dmv.ny.gov/new-york-states-occupant-restraint-law
New York is a "primary enforcement" state.
Official URL: https://dmv.ny.gov/new-york-states-occupant-restraint-law
The fine for a seat belt violation involving an unrestrained person who is 16 years of age or older is a fine of up to $50.
Official URL: https://dmv.ny.gov/new-york-states-occupant-restraint-law
North Carolina: source excerpts
each occupant of a motor vehicle manufactured with seat belts shall have a seatbelt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway in this State.
Official URL: https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-135.2A.html
Any rear seat occupant of a vehicle who fails to wear a seat belt as required by this section shall have committed an infraction and shall pay a penalty of ten dollars ($10.00) and no court costs.
Official URL: https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-135.2A.html
A driver may not operate upon a highway a motor vehicle designed for carrying fewer than eleven passengers, which was originally manufactured with safety belts unless each occupant is wearing a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt.
Official URL: https://www.ndlegis.gov/cencode/t39c21.pdf
North Dakota enforces a primary seat belt law
Official URL: https://www.visionzero.nd.gov/reaching-zero/road-users/seat-belts
Penalty $20
Official URL: https://www.visionzero.nd.gov/reaching-zero/road-users/seat-belts
Ohio: source excerpts
Occupy, as a passenger, a seating position on the front seat of an automobile being operated on any street or highway unless that person is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device;
Official URL: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4513.263
no law enforcement officer shall cause an operator of an automobile being operated on any street or highway to stop the automobile for the sole purpose of determining whether a violation of division (B) of this section has been or is being committed or for the sole purpose of issuing a ticket, citation, or summons for a violation of that nature or causing the arrest of or commencing a prosecution of a person for a violation of that nature, and no law enforcement officer shall view the interior or visually inspect any automobile being operated on any street or highway for the sole purpose of determining whether a violation of that nature has been or is being committed.
Official URL: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4513.263
Whoever violates division (B)(1) of this section shall be fined thirty dollars. (2) Whoever violates division (B)(3) of this section shall be fined twenty dollars.
Official URL: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4513.263
Every operator and front seat passenger of a Class A commercial motor vehicle, Class B commercial motor vehicle, Class C commercial motor vehicle or a passenger vehicle operated in this state shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety seat belt system, required to be installed in the motor vehicle when manufactured pursuant to 49 C.F.R., Section 571.208.
Official URL: https://www.oklegislature.gov/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os47.pdf
Fine and court costs for violating the provisions of this section shall not exceed Twenty Dollars ($20.00).
Official URL: https://www.oklegislature.gov/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os47.pdf
Oregon: source excerpts
Oregon law requires that all motor vehicle operators and passengers be properly secured with a safety belt or safety harness, unless all safety-belt equipped seating positions are occupied by other persons.
Official URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/safety/pages/belts-seats.aspx
All drivers and front seat passengers in vehicles, light trucks and motor homes must wear seat belts.
Official URL: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-manuals/pa-drivers-manual-non-commercial/english/pub%2095.pdf
If you are transporting passengers age eight (8) or older but less than age 18, they must wear seat belts, no matter where they are riding in the vehicle.
Official URL: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-manuals/pa-drivers-manual-non-commercial/english/pub%2095.pdf
age eight (8) or older but less than age 18
Official URL: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-manuals/pa-drivers-manual-non-commercial/english/pub%2095.pdf
Rhode Island: source excerpts
Any operator of a motor vehicle transporting a person eighteen (18) years of age and older in any seating position of a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets or highways of this state shall ensure that the person be properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system, as defined by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208.
The driver and every occupant of a motor vehicle, when it is being operated on the public streets and highways of this State, must wear a fastened safety belt which complies with all provisions of federal law for its use.
Official URL: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php
A person who is adjudicated to be in violation of the provisions of this article must be fined not more than twenty-five dollars, no part of which may be suspended. No court costs, assessments, or surcharges may be assessed against a person who violates a provision of this article.
Official URL: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php
A law enforcement officer must not stop a driver for a violation of this article except when the officer has probable cause that a violation has occurred based on his clear and unobstructed view of a driver or an occupant of the motor vehicle who is not wearing a safety belt or is not secured in a child restraint system as required by Article 47 of this chapter.
Official URL: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php
South Dakota: source excerpts
every operator and front seat passenger of a passenger vehicle operated on a public highway in this state shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety seat belt system, required to be installed in the passenger vehicle when manufactured pursuant to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 208 (49 C.F.R. 571.208) in effect January 1, 1989, at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion.
Official URL: https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-38-1.html
Enforcement of this chapter by state or local law enforcement agencies shall be accomplished as a secondary action.
Official URL: https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/32-38-5.html
Tennessee: source excerpts
All drivers and front seat passengers are covered by the seat belt law and must have a seat belt properly fastened about their bodies at all times when the vehicle is in a forward motion.
Official URL: https://www.tntrafficsafety.org/seat-belts
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-603 describes Tennessee as a primary safety belt state.
Official URL: https://www.tntrafficsafety.org/seat-belts
a fine of $30.00 for a first violation, and fifty-five dollars $55.00 for a second or subsequent violation
Official URL: https://www.tntrafficsafety.org/seat-belts
Texas: source excerpts
Texas law requires all drivers and passengers to buckle up or face fines and court costs of up to $200.
Official URL: https://www.txdot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-campaigns/click-it-or-ticket.html
fines and court costs of up to $200.
Official URL: https://www.txdot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-campaigns/click-it-or-ticket.html
Utah: source excerpts
A person 16 years old or older who is a passenger in a motor vehicle operated on a highway shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt.
Official URL: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter6A/C41-6a-S1803_2024050120240501.html
A person who violates Section 41-6a-1803 is guilty of an infraction and shall be fined a maximum of $45.
Official URL: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter6A/C41-6a-S1805_2018050820180508.html
Vermont: source excerpts
The operator of a motor vehicle shall be guilty of a violation of this section if any person 18 years of age or older is occupying a seating position that has been manufactured with a federally approved safety belt system and is not restrained by the safety belt system while the motor vehicle is in motion on a public highway.
Official URL: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/23/013/01259
Any driver, and any other person at least 18 years of age and occupying a seat, of a motor vehicle equipped or required by the provisions of this title to be equipped with a safety belt system, consisting of lap belts, shoulder harnesses, combinations thereof or similar devices, shall wear the appropriate safety belt system at all times while the motor vehicle is in motion on any public highway.
Official URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter10/section46.2-1094/
No law-enforcement officer shall stop a motor vehicle for a violation of this section.
Official URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter10/section46.2-1094/
a civil penalty of twenty-five dollars
Official URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter10/section46.2-1094/
Washington: source excerpts
Every person sixteen years of age or older operating or riding in a motor vehicle shall wear the safety belt assembly in a properly adjusted and securely fastened manner.
Official URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.688
West Virginia: source excerpts
A person may not operate a passenger vehicle on a public street or highway of this state unless the person, any passenger in the back seat under 18 years of age, and any passenger in the front seat of the passenger vehicle is restrained by a safety belt meeting applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Official URL: https://code.wvlegislature.gov/17C-15-49/
Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined $25. No court costs or other fees may be assessed for a violation of this section.
Official URL: https://code.wvlegislature.gov/17C-15-49/
Wisconsin: source excerpts
If a motor vehicle is required to be equipped with safety belts in this state, no person who is at least 8 years old and who is seated at a designated seating position in the front seat required under 49 CFR 571 to have a safety belt installed or at a designated seating position in the seats, other than the front seats, for which a safety belt is required to be installed may be a passenger in that motor vehicle unless the person is properly restrained.
Official URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/347/iii/48
In this subsection, "properly restrained" means wearing a safety belt approved by the department under sub. (2) and fastened in a manner prescribed by the manufacturer of the safety belt which permits the safety belt to act as a body restraint.
Official URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/347/iii/48
Each driver and passenger of a motor vehicle operated in this state shall wear, and each driver of a motor vehicle shall require that a passenger under twelve (12) years of age shall wear, a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt when the motor vehicle is in motion on public streets and highways.
Official URL: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title31.pdf
No motor vehicle shall be halted solely for a violation of this section.
Official URL: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title31.pdf
The driver who violates this section may be issued a citation and may be subject to a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00). Any passenger who violates this section may be issued a citation and may be subject to a fine of not more than ten dollars ($10.00).
Official URL: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title31.pdf
Know what your traffic accident claim is worth before you answer
Traffic accidents at intersections, highway merges, and signalized crossings produce millions of injury claims each year, and the strength of those claims almost always depends on one thing: evidence of who violated a traffic law. A red-light citation, a police-report narrative, or traffic-camera footage can transform a disputed liability case into a straightforward one. Use the estimator above to see a preliminary range for your situation, then read on for what matters most when building a traffic-accident claim. This site is an independent information resource, not a law firm.
Enter documented losses to see an informational value range built with the multiplier method insurance adjusters commonly apply, adjusted for your state's fault rule. It runs entirely in your browser.
Informational estimate
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Fill in the form to see a likely range.
Pain & sufferingMedicalLost wagesOther costs
Medical & future care$0
Lost wages$0
Property & out-of-pocket$0
Pain & suffering $0
Comparative fault reduction$0
Capped by policy limit$0
Gross estimate$0
Less contingency fee (33.3%)$0
Illustrative net to you$0
Medical liens, health-insurance subrogation, case costs and taxes on some damage categories are not modelled here.
This is not a valuation, an offer or legal advice. Real settlement value turns on evidence, causation, venue, insurance limits, liens and negotiation. Verify every figure with a licensed attorney in your state before you accept or reject anything.
How this works
Three steps, no phone number required
Most people arrive here after an insurance adjuster has already named a figure. The point of this page is simple: give you an independent second number, and the reasoning behind it, before you answer.
Step 01
Gather what you can document
Medical bills and expected future care, wages you actually lost, repair or total-loss figures, and the out-of-pocket costs people usually forget, travel to appointments, braces and devices, paid help at home.
Step 02
Run the estimator
It applies the multiplier method adjusters commonly use to non-economic damages, then adjusts for your state's comparative-fault rule and the policy limit that actually caps most claims.
Step 03
Take the range to a licensed attorney
The output is a discussion range, never a valuation. Bring it to a lawyer licensed in your state, most personal-injury consultations are free and fees are contingent, and let them price the parts a calculator cannot see.
By situation
Guides for your situation
Fault rules, insurance layers and typical evidence differ sharply between these. Start with the one that matches your facts.
TrafficAccidentLawyer.us is an informational website, not a law firm. It is operated by Mustafa Bilgic, an individual who is not a licensed attorney. Nothing here is legal advice, nothing creates an attorney-client relationship, and no calculator output is a valuation or an offer.
We do not take cases, review documents, contact insurers or refer you to a particular lawyer. Deadlines and fault rules vary by state and a missed deadline can end a valid claim permanently, consult a licensed attorney in your state before you accept, reject or file anything. Your state bar's referral service and the American Bar Association's Find Legal Help directory are independent starting points.
Questions
Questions people ask before they answer the adjuster
Does a traffic citation prove the other driver was at fault?
A citation is strong evidence but not automatic proof of civil liability. It shows that law enforcement believed a violation occurred. The insurer can still argue comparative fault or challenge the officer's conclusions. Combined with witness statements and camera footage, a citation significantly strengthens your claim.
How do I get traffic-camera footage of my accident?
Contact the local traffic-management department or the police department that maintains intersection cameras. Many cities require a formal public-records request. Act within the first week because retention periods vary and footage can be overwritten quickly.
What if the police report contains errors?
Most departments allow you to file a supplemental statement correcting factual errors, such as wrong vehicle positions or direction of travel. You generally cannot force the officer to change the narrative, but your supplement becomes part of the official record and can be presented during negotiations or trial.
Can I still recover if I was partly at fault for the traffic accident?
In states that follow comparative-fault rules, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of blame. In the few states that apply contributory negligence, any fault on your part can bar recovery entirely. Knowing your state's rule is essential before entering negotiations.
How long do I have to file a traffic accident claim?
Statutes of limitations are commonly two to three years, but your state's deadline controls, check immediately. Claims against government entities often have far shorter notice windows, and missing the deadline almost always forfeits the claim.
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Published and maintained by
Mustafa Bilgic, independent operator, TrafficAccidentLawyer.us
Not an attorney and not affiliated with any law firm. Pages here summarise publicly available law, federal agency data and documented insurance practice, with sources listed on each page.