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It is the responsibility of the driver to see that all
front seat passengers ages 8 to 16 obey this law. Anyone
found guilty of disobeying this law may be subject to a
fine and court costs. Children under 16 years of age are
covered by the Child Passenger Protection Act. Children
up to the age of 16 not in a safety seat must be
protected by a safety belt regardless of their location
in the vehicle.
Drivers under age 18 are currently required to limit
passengers to one in the front seat and the number of
seat belts in the back seat. However, effective during
the first six months of their license (or until they
reach the age of 18, whichever occurs sooner) they are
limited to only one passenger under the age of 20 (except
immediate family which includes siblings or children of
the driver).
All passengers under age 18, with a driver under age 18,
regardless of location in the vehicle must be belted.
Exceptions are motorcycles and second division vehicles
containing only a front seat. In a second division
vehicle, more than one passenger is allowed, provided
that each passenger is in a properly secured safety belt.
Properly worn seat belts are an extremely important part
of operator and passenger safety and have been proven
effective in reducing incidents of serious injury or
death. Proper adjustment is important. The lap belt
should be worn across the hipbones. It should never be
positioned across the stomach or soft part of the
abdomen.
The shoulder strap should be as snug as possible and yet
allow the driver to reach important controls. Adjust the
shoulder strap so that it is comfortable and does not
cross the body at or near the neck or face. Wearing the
shoulder strap tucked under the arm or behind the back is
dangerous and can cause serious injury or death.
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