Wearing a seat belt—and getting backseat passengers to do the same—is a big part of traveling safely in a car, but the laws vary from state to state. There’s no question that buckling up saves lives in an accident, but many New Yorkers are unsure about the rules when it comes to taxis, since we’re in the car for such a short time.

While it may seem like the rules are different for commercial vehicles, do you have to buckle up as a taxi passenger?

In 2020, New York started requiring all passengers, front seat and back seat, to wear a seat belt. New York is a primary enforcement state. That means a police officer can ticket you for not wearing a seat belt even if you didn’t commit any other traffic violation. Drivers can also get tickets for any child passengers who aren’t properly secured in a seat belt or car seat.

If an adult backseat passenger isn’t wearing a seat belt, the driver can get pulled over and the passenger will get a ticket. The 2020 law requiring all passengers to wear a safety belt also applies to taxis and livery vehicles. Drivers and passengers in New York City taxis must wear their seat belts.

Before 2020, New York’s seat belt law only required front seat passengers to wear a seat belt. New York’s seat belt laws have evolved to include all occupants, not just front seat passengers. These requirements are part of New York’s overall traffic laws which are designed to improve safety and regulate driver and passenger behavior on the road. The change was made to improve safety; adding the requirement for backseat passengers has increased protection for all vehicle occupants.

New York City Taxi Rules

New York City taxis are a part of daily life, with thousands of yellow taxis and livery vehicles on the streets of the five boroughs. The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) oversees these vehicles, setting and enforcing the rules to protect drivers and passengers. One of the most important of these rules is the seat belt law which is a big part of keeping everyone safe in motor vehicles across the city.The TLC requires all taxi cabs, livery vehicles and their drivers to follow New York State’s seat belt laws. These laws have evolved over time to address the unique challenges of urban transportation where both front seat and back seat passengers are at risk in an accident. With so many people relying on taxis for quick and convenient transportation, understanding and following seat belt requirements is key to reducing injuries and fatalities on city streets.

Whether you’re a frequent New Yorker or a visitor hailing a yellow cab for the first time, knowing the rules about seat belts can help you stay safe and avoid legal trouble. The TLC’s commitment to safety goes beyond just seat belts but this is a big part of it.

Seat Belt Law Requirements

Under New York State law all front seat passengers in motor vehicles—including taxi cabs and livery vehicles—as well as those in any car are required to wear a seat belt at all times. This applies to all passengers regardless of age. For many years rear seat passengers under 16 were also required to buckle up but recent changes to the law have expanded this to all passengers.

As of 2020 all passengers in a New York City taxi or livery vehicle—no matter their age or where they are seated—must wear a seat belt. This update to the seat belt law was made to address the high number of taxi cab accidents and the serious injuries that can occur when passengers are not restrained. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 45% and the risk of moderate to serious injury by up to 50%. These statistics show just how important it is for all passengers to wear a seat belt whether in the front seat or back seat.

Taxi drivers and companies are responsible for informing passengers about the seat belt law and encouraging compliance. Not wearing a seat belt can result in fines and penalties for both passengers and drivers and in the event of an accident unbuckled passengers are at much higher risk of severe injury. By making it a habit to wear a seat belt every time you get in a taxi cab you not only protect yourself from personal injury but also contribute to the safety of New York City streets.

Are There Any Exemptions to This Seat Belt Law?

There are a few exceptions to New York’s seat belt law:

Seat belts are not required to be used by drivers and passengers in emergency vehicles.
Drivers and passengers in vehicles made in 1964 or earlier do not have to wear seat belts.
Passengers on city buses do not need to wear seat belts.
Postal workers delivering mail do not have to use their seat belts.

New York Laws for Child Restraints

Drivers of vehicles in which passengers under 16 do not wear a seat belt can be ticketed. It’s essentially the driver’s responsibility to make sure all passengers are buckled up safely and according to New York laws.

Additional requirements similar to school buses are in place for younger children:

Children under 4 years old must be properly secured in a federally approved child safety seat.
Children 4-7 or 40 pounds or more are required to be in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt.
Children 8 or younger who are 4’9″ or taller can use a standard seat belt but must be in the back seat.

Remember to also refer to the manufacturer’s height and weight recommendations for child safety seats. As with state law there are exceptions to the safety seat and seat belt requirements based on the child’s age and size. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations and state laws will keep children as safe as possible when traveling by car.

Child safety seats must also be attached to the car using the safety belt or the car’s LATCH system. New York City’s Department of Transportation offers free child safety seat inspections from April to October which is a good opportunity to make sure the seat is installed correctly and fits properly.

Wearing a Seat Belt in New York City

There are hundreds of car accidents every day in New York City and taxis are involved in many of them. Wearing a seat belt consistently and correctly is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury and fatalities in car accidents. In the event of a crash seat belts can greatly reduce the risk of injury. If a person is not restrained during a crash they can be seriously injured by hitting the interior of the vehicle or other objects.When you wear your seat belt in the back seat of a taxi you reduce your risk of serious injury and comply with state law and won’t get a ticket. Plus plastic partitions in many taxis can both protect and harm passengers in a crash as unbelted individuals can be injured by impact with these barriers.

Public awareness campaigns have been addressing myths about seat belt safety to educate New Yorkers about the importance of buckling up. Programs like “Click It or Ticket” and neighborhood child safety seat inspections are promoting seat belt use and raising awareness about the dangers of traveling unrestrained.

Getting Compensation for Car Accidents in New York City

If you’ve been in an accident in New York City and want to file a claim for your injuries you should know that NYC taxi cabs are required to carry insurance and insurance companies are involved in the claims process. Personal injuries and personal injury claims are common after a motor vehicle accident involving a New York taxi and there are rules and regulations in place to protect passengers and the street.

Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices has recovered significant money for clients in personal injury cases including lost income which can be a big financial hit.

Insurance policies pay for medical expenses, lost income and other damages and these amounts are paid by the insurance company.

Contact Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices to find out how seat belt use may affect your claim. We offer free consultations so schedule yours today. It’s important to hire a lawyer with experience in NYC taxi accident cases.