Seat Belts
Reasons to Buckle Up
- Studies show seat belts do save lives and reduce injury during crashes.
- Seat belts work with airbags to protect occupants. Airbags alone are not enough to safeguard occupants.
- More than 2,000 unbuckled drivers and front-seat passengers died on New Jersey's roadways in the past 10 years.
- Approximately 700 unbuckled drivers and front-seat passengers were thrown out of their vehicles during crashes and killed in the past 10 years.
New Jersey's Seat Belt Law
39:3-76.2f. Seat belt usage requirements; driver's responsibility.
- Applies to all passenger vehicles including vans, pickup trucks and SUVs, that are required to be equipped with seat belts.
- All occupants are required to wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt system, when operated on a street or highway
- Children less than 8 years of age and weighing less than 80 pounds are required to be secured in a child passenger restraining system or booster seat (see more information under Child Passenger Seats).
Penalties
If you are stopped for a violation and you and/or the front seat occupant is observed to be unbelted, the fine is $46 per summons (Click It or Ticket).
Exemptions
- Those riding in passenger autos manufactured before July 1, 1966
- Those riding in passenger autos that don't require safety belts under federal law
- Those with physical or medical reasons verified in writing by a licensed physician
A Word to the Wise
Safety belts improve your chances of surviving a crash by 60%. Most crashes occur within 25 miles of home and at speeds under 40 miles per hour. So buckle up and enjoy life!