A 3-minute lesson from the Connecticut course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
In a crash, a safety belt keeps you inside the car and behind the wheel where you can still steer. Connecticut requires everyone — driver and passengers — to buckle up, and each person who doesn't can be fined.
Know the rule
In Connecticut it is illegal to drive or ride as a passenger without wearing a safety belt. If the driver or a passenger isn't belted, each could be cited.
With a two-part system, wear both the lap belt and the shoulder belt — either part alone greatly reduces protection. With an automatic shoulder belt, buckle the lap belt too, or you could slide out of the belt in a crash.
State law requires safety belts even if the vehicle has airbags. Airbags don't protect you if you are hit from the side or rear or the vehicle rolls over, and they won't keep you behind the wheel.
You're driving two miles to the store on a 35 mph road and your friend says belts are only for highways. Wrong: over half of traffic deaths happen within 25 miles of home, many on roads under 45 mph. You both buckle up — or each of you risks a $75 ticket.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What is the fine for a seatbelt violation in Connecticut?
$175
$75
$50
$100
Answer: $75
If the driver or a passenger fails to wear a seat belt, each could be cited and fined $75.