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Do backseat passengers have to wear a seat belt?
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Backseat Car Seat Belts and Safety Laws
Every state, including the District of Columbia, mandates seat belt use. But, unfortunately, from a driver's perspective, there is no one uniform seatbelt law. Some states require all passengers to be buckled, while others only require seat belts for front seat riders.As a motorist it's your responsibility to know the seat belt law of the state you're driving in. This bears especially true for states that make riding unbuckled a primary offense. This means the police do not need another reason (such as speeding or a busted tail light) to pull you over.
And, depending on the state, riding without a car seat belt could be a costly mistake. Texas has a maximum seat belt law fine of $200. In Washington the penalty is $124, and in Rhode Island it's $75.
The following grid mainly applies to adult drivers. For more information on the seat belt law in your state check with your local DMV.
| Front Seat Only | Front and Back Seat Required | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | x | ||
| Alaska | x | ||
| Arizona | x | ||
| Arkansas | x | ||
| California | x | ||
| Colorado | x | ||
| Connecticut | x | ||
| Delaware | x | ||
| Florida | x | Only riders up until the age of 17 must wear a seat belt regardless of seat. | |
| Georgia | x | Only riders up until the age of 17 must wear a seat belt regardless of seat. | |
| Hawaii | x | ||
| Idaho | x | ||
| Illinois | x | If the driver is younger than 18 all passengers 18 and younger must wear seat belts, regardless of seat. | |
| Indiana | x | ||
| Iowa | x | ||
| Kansas | x | ||
| Kentucky | x | ||
| Louisiana | x | ||
| Maine | x | ||
| Maryland | x | ||
| Massachusetts | x | ||
| Michigan | x | ||
| Minnesota | x | ||
| Mississippi | x | ||
| Missouri | x | ||
| Montana | x | ||
| Nebraska | x | ||
| Nevada | x | ||
| New Hampshire | No seat belt law. | ||
| New Jersey | x | All riders, regardless of seat, will be required beginning January 20, 2011. | |
| New Mexico | x | ||
| New York | x | ||
| North Carolina | x | ||
| North Dakota | x | ||
| Ohio | x | ||
| Oklahoma | x | ||
| Oregon | x | ||
| Pennsylvania | x | Only riders between the ages of eight and 17 must wear a seat belt regardless of seat. | |
| Rhode Island | x | ||
| South Carolina | x | ||
| South Dakota | x | ||
| Tennessee | x | ||
| Texas | x | ||
| Utah | x | ||
| Vermont | x | ||
| Virginia | x | ||
| Washington | x | ||
| West Virginia | x | Only riders between the ages of eight and 17 must wear a seat belt regardless of seat. | |
| Wisconsin | x | ||
| Wyoming | x | ||
| Washington DC | x |
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