A 4-minute lesson from the New York course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Seat belts save lives and prevent serious injuries. New York is a "primary enforcement" state: an officer can pull you over just because you or a passenger isn't buckled. The law applies to visitors from outside New York too. As the driver, you're responsible for every passenger under 16.
A vehicle's seat belts alone are not an appropriate child restraint system for a child aged 4 to 7; they aren't designed for children. The child must meet the seat maker's size and weight recommendations.
Age 8 or older but under 4'9" or under 100 lbs: keep using a child restraint (recommended). Age 4–7 but over 4'9" and/or over 100 lbs: a seat belt may be used, though a restraint is recommended if the belt doesn't fit.
An unrestrained person becomes a flying object in a crash and endangers everyone in the vehicle. For added protection, adjust the head rest, lock the doors and put loose, heavy objects in the trunk.
Air bags work WITH seat belts, not instead of them. An air bag cushions a front-seat occupant in a head-on crash; together with a belt it helps you keep control and prevent secondary collisions.
You're driving your 10-year-old nephew and a 17-year-old friend. If your nephew rides unbuckled, you face a $25–$100 fine and 3 points. If your friend refuses to buckle up, the friend faces a fine of up to $50.
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 maximum fine for a driver who fails to buckle their own seat belt?
$50
$25
$100
$150
Answer: $50
The driver can face a fine of up to $50 for failing to buckle their own seat belt.