Wearing a seat belt is a crucial part of traveling safely in a vehicle, but laws vary from state to state about whether or not it is required. There’s no question that buckling up saves lives in the event of a collision, but many New Yorkers find that wearing a seat belt in the back of a taxi is an inconvenience, given the relatively short amount of time spent in the car.

While it may seem like an unnecessary hassle to wear a seat belt when you are in and out of the car in a matter of minutes, does New York require you to buckle up as a taxi passenger?

In 2020, New York began requiring all passengers, including those riding in the backseat, to wear a seat belt. New York is what’s known as a primary enforcement state. This means that a police officer can write a ticket for not wearing a seat belt even if no other traffic violation was committed. Drivers can also receive tickets for any child passengers who are not properly secured in a seat belt or appropriate safety seat.

If adult passengers in the backseat are not wearing their seat belts, the driver can be pulled over, and the passengers will be given a ticket. The 2020 law also applies to taxis and livery vehicles. Drivers and passengers in New York City taxicabs must wear their seat belts.

Prior to 2020, New York’s seat belt law only required passengers in the front seat to wear a seat belt. What was the reason for changing the law from its previous version? Adding the requirement for backseat drivers increased the safety of all vehicle passengers.

Are There Any Exceptions to This Seat Belt Law?

There are limited exceptions to New York’s seat belt law, including:

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

New York Laws Regarding Child Restraints

Drivers of vehicles with children under the age of 16 who do not wear a seat belt can be ticketed. It is essentially the driver’s responsibility to ensure all passengers are buckled up safely and in accordance with New York laws.

Additional requirements are in place for younger children:

  • Children under 4 years old must be properly secured in a federally-approved child safety seat.
  • Children ages 4 through 7 or who weigh at least 40 pounds are required to be in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt.
  • Children aged 8 or younger who are at least 4’9” can begin using a standard seat belt but must remain in the backseat.

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

The 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 conducts free child safety seat inspections from April through October, which is a good opportunity to ensure the seat is installed correctly and fits appropriately.

The Importance of Wearing a Seat Belt in New York City

There are hundreds of car accident cases each day in New York City. Wearing a seat belt consistently and correctly is among the most effective safety measures to prevent serious injury and fatalities in car accidents. It is estimated that seat belt use saves thousands of lives every year.

When you wear your seat belt in the backseat of a taxicab, you limit your risk of serious injury and comply with state law, which saves you from being issued a ticket.

Public awareness campaigns have been addressing rumors about seat belt safety in an effort to educate New York residents about the importance of buckling up. Programs like “Click It or Ticket” and neighborhood child safety seat inspections hope to promote seat belt use and raise awareness about the dangers of traveling unrestrained.

Seeking Compensation for Car Accidents in New York City

If you have recently been in an accident in New York City and want to pursue monetary damages for your injuries, contact Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices to discuss how seat belt use may impact your compensation. We offer free consultations, so schedule yours today.