November 14th is National Seat Belt Day! This day is an important reminder to us all that seat belts save lives. We have a pretty good seat belt use rate here in the US; in 2020, the usage rate was 90.3%. Even so, there are many people on the roads who aren’t buckled up. In fact, in 2019, about 47% of those killed in collisions weren’t wearing their seat belts. We want everyone to be properly buckled up. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions about seat belts.
Misconception: Seat belts can trap you in a burning or flooded vehicle, so it’s safer not to wear one.
Fact: Only about .005% of crashes actually involve fire or water. There are devices you can purchase to keep in your vehicle that allow you to cut your safety belt in an emergency situation like this.
Misconception: If you have a car with air bags, you don’t need to wear a seat belt, too.
Fact: An air bag can actually harm or kill you in a bad crash if you’re not wearing a seat belt. Seat belts and air bags are designed to work together.
Misconception: Safety belts are unnecessary for short trips or low speeds.
Fact: About 80% of all crashes occur at speeds of less than 50 miles per hour, and 3 out of 4 crashes occur within 25 miles of home.
Misconception: Safety belts are uncomfortable.
Fact: When worn properly, safety belts should fit snugly and comfortably.
The truth is, seat belts save lives.
Seat Belt Laws in Every State
Most states have mandatory safety belt laws, though the law may vary depending on what state you’re in. Here’s a list of the Seat Belt Laws in every state. Even though the laws vary, it’s important to always wear your seat belt. Note that this list does not include the special requirements for children. These are general guidelines. For more information about your state’s seat belt laws, please visit your state’s government website.
Seat Belt Laws in Alabama
All front and rear seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt, unless they have a written statement from their physician exempting them for medical reasons. Those age 15 and older who break this law will receive a $25 citation.
Seat Belt Laws in Alaska
Drivers and all passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those age 16 or older can be cited for breaking this law.
Seat Belt Laws in Arizona
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those age 16 or older may be cited for this violation.
Seat Belt Laws in Arkansas
Drivers and front seat passengers are required to buckle up. All passengers must buckle up when the driver has a learner’s or intermediate license. All children under age 15 must be properly-restrained, regardless of where they are in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in California
The driver and all passengers are required to wear a seat belt when the vehicle is in motion. Those age 16 and older can be cited for violating this law. The driver can be cited if those under age 16 violate this law.
Seat Belt Laws in Colorado
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those age 15 and younger must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in Connecticut
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those age 16 and younger must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in Delaware
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated. Drivers can receive a $25 fine for violating this law.
Seat Belt Laws in Florida
The driver and all passengers are required to wear a seat belt, unless they have a written statement from their physician exempting them for medical reasons.
Seat Belt Laws in Georgia
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt.
Seat Belt Laws in Hawaii
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated. Violators of this law may be required to pay a fine and attend a 4-hour course.
Seat Belt Laws in Idaho
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in Illinois
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in Indiana
The driver and all passengers are required to wear a seat belt when the vehicle is in motion. Those age 16 and older can be cited for violating this law. The driver can be cited if passengers under age 16 violate this law.
Seat Belt Laws in Iowa
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those under age 18 must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in Kansas
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those age 17 and younger must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in Kentucky
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in Louisiana
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those under age 18 must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle. Those age 13 and younger must be seated in the back seat.
Seat Belt Laws in Maine
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in Maryland
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in Massachusetts
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated. Drivers can receive a $25 fine for violating this law.
Seat Belt Laws in Michigan
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those under age 16 must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in Minnesota
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in Mississippi
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in Missouri
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those under age 16 must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in Montana
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated. Those age 13 and younger must be seated in the back seat.
Seat Belt Laws in Nebraska
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those under age 18 must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in Nevada
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in New Hampshire
Those under age 18 must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in New Jersey
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in New Mexico
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in New York
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in North Carolina
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in North Dakota
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those under age 18 must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in Ohio
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those under age 16 must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in Oklahoma
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt.
Seat Belt Laws in Oregon
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in Pennsylvania
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those under age 18 must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in Rhode Island
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in South Carolina
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in South Dakota
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those under age 18 must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in Tennessee
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those under age 16 must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in Texas
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Violators of the seat belt law in Texas may be required to take a Texas Seat Belt Safety course. You can take it online with Safe2Drive.
Seat Belt Laws in Utah
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in Vermont
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in Virginia
The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Those under age 16 must be property secured regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.
Seat Belt Laws in Washington
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in West Virginia
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in Wisconsin
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Seat Belt Laws in Wyoming
Everyone in the vehicle must be properly secured, regardless of where they’re seated.
Interested in learning more about traffic safety? Taking an online defensive driving course or an insurance discount course is a great way to help prepare you for any type of driving situation! Click here to visit our website to see the online courses we offer in your state!