Make Sure Your Passengers Are Buckled Up – it’s the Law
The New York State seat belt law that went into effect on Nov. 1, 2020 requires passengers older than 16 to wear a seat belt when they are riding in the back seat.
The law specifically applies to personal ride-hailing services, taxis, and personal cars. The previous rule required passengers younger than 16 to buckle up. Now, passengers of all ages whether in the front seat or back will need to be buckled up.
The law was passed because 30% of highway deaths in New York occur to people who are not buckled up. Studies show that 90% of adults buckle up when they are in the front seat, but only 76% buckle up while in the back seat. The rates are even lower for passengers in for-hire vehicles.
Officers are now able to pull a vehicle over if they spot an unbuckled passenger and passengers who do not buckle up can be charged with a $50 fine. The driver can also be fined, at the police officer’s discretion.
If you would like a free sticker to place in your car that informs passengers that they need to buckle up, contact us!
