Seat Belts

Why Buckle Up?

• Studies show seat belts do save lives and reduce injury during crashes.
• Seat belts work with air bags to protect occupants. Air bags 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 SUV's, 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 eight years of age and weighing less than eighty pounds are required to
  be secured in a child passenger restraing system or booster seat
  (see more information under Child Passenger Seats).

What are the Penalties?

If you are stopped for a violation and you and/or the front seat occupant is observed to be unbelted, the fine is $46.00 per summons (Click It or Ticket).

What are the 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!