In Florida, seat belt legal requirements are very clear for all drivers and passengers. There are many dangers when driving or riding without a seatbelt. Doing so can result in serious injury for everyone in the vehicle in the event of an accident. All drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times, even for a quick drive to the store.
Contact The Law Place today if you have any questions or concerns about Florida seat belt safety and laws. Our team of qualified attorneys has over 75 years of experience and can answer any questions you may have regarding Florida road rules. If you have been ticketed for not wearing a seatbelt or for improper child safety restraint, we may be able to help.
Our lines are open 24/7, and we are always available to take your call. Schedule your free consultation with a qualified attorney today.
Call The Law Place now at (941) 444-4444.
Do You Have to Wear a Seat Belt in the Backseat in Florida?
If you are over the age of 18 in the backseat, you do not have to wear a seat belt in Florida. Minors, barring a diagnosed medical condition, are still required to wear seat belts in the backseat.
Regardless of the law, The Law Place always recommends wearing seat belts in the back seat. Doing so can prevent serious harm from occurring in the event of a car accident.
Is Florida a Primary Seat Belt Law State?
Primary seat belt laws allow police to ticket drivers and passengers for not wearing a seat belt if the vehicle has been pulled over for another offense, such as speeding. If there was no initial road violation, a police officer cannot serve a ticket to vehicle operators or passengers.
Florida is a primary seat belt law state (section 316.614, Florida Statutes). Cops can ticket drivers and front-seat vehicle passengers for not wearing a seat belt. Also, drivers can be ticketed for minors in their vehicle not using a safety belt or for having improper child safety restraints.
Who Is Exempt from Florida Seat Belt Law?
Passengers over the age of 18 do not need to wear a safety belt in the back seat in Florida.
If an individual with a medical condition has notice from a licensed physician that states wearing a safety belt will cause undue harm or potential injury, they do not have to wear a seat belt. This includes minors. The individual must present the doctor’s note to the officer serving the citation or to the court after the fact in order to dispute the ticket.
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What Are the Three Major Requirements of Florida Child Restraint Laws?
Despite the constant cries for “the big kid seat,” parents and guardians of children through the ages of 5 are still required to abide by Florida laws regarding child safety restraints. The fines for violations of these laws can be greater than other seat belt infractions.
The Florida DMV lists the three major requirements for child safety in motor vehicles:
- Children through the age of 3 are required to be secured in a federally approved child restraint seat.
- Children aged 4 and 5 are required to be secured in a federally approved child restraint seat or special safety belt.
- The driver is responsible for securing the child.
Federally approved child restraint seats, or a car seat for short, are devices used to safely and comfortably secure small children in motor vehicles. This can also be known as a booster seat and is sold in many different shops around Florida. Some state or private programs also subsidize or provide these seats for free for low-income residents in Florida. Having a booster seat is shown to greatly reduce harm for children involved in car accidents, both minor and major. A car seat can make all the difference in saving your child’s life.
Operators of all motor vehicles must abide by the above-mentioned rules regarding child safety or risk heavy fines.
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Consult a Qualified Road Rules Lawyer Today
Have you been ticketed for a seat belt violation? Are you unsure how Florida safety belt law applies to you and your passengers?
Contact The Law Place today. Our qualified roadside attorneys can help you fight your ticket in court. If you have been pulled over illegally and served a seat belt violation, you have cause to throw out the case.
Our lines are open 24/7, so we are always available for your call. Schedule your free consultation with a lawyer today.
Call The Law Place now at (941) 444-4444.