It’s not news that wearing a seat belt can save your life. This is why wearing one is the law. While adults are responsible for understanding the risks and wearing their seat belts, children are not responsible when they fail to wear theirs – the adults are. This is one of the reasons why New York takes seat belt violations so seriously.
Under New York law, the driver of the car and all passengers are required to wear a seat belt. While there are some exceptions to the law, it mostly stands. Here’s what to know about no seat belt tickets in New York and what you, as the driver, can do if you are issued a no seat belt ticket.
What Are the Penalties?
In addition to the potential physical risks of not wearing a seat belt, there are other penalties. If you are issued a no seat belt ticket, you can be fined, $25 to $100, plus a surcharge of either $88 or $93. However, there are additional “hidden” costs.
If you plead guilty to a New York no seat belt ticket under the Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1229-c, you could end up shelling out thousands of dollars. There are certain types of tickets for which a conviction or guilty plea can cause your auto insurance to increase and a no seat belt ticket is one of them; it can result in a monthly car insurance premium rise. Each insurance company is different and therefore the impact of a no seat belt ticket can be different for everyone, with different increases and durations (some of which can be for years). Plus, if you plan on switching insurance companies, you should know that companies may review your driving record for up to three years prior.
Additionally, no seat belt ticket convictions can result in up to 3 points per violation. This is important to know because if you get 11 points in an 18-month period, your driver’s license can be suspended.
Consequences for Out-of-State Drivers
If you are not a New York resident, you can still deal with the penalties. There is an agreement, known as the Driver License Compact, for which states agree to communicate driving information to each other and to report traffic violation convictions to the driver’s home state. The consequences for that individual will be as if the violation occurred in their home state.
AutoTrafficTickets.com Helps Those in New York Who Have Been Issued a Traffic Ticket
If you have received a traffic ticket in New York, it can have very serious consequences on your life and your livelihood. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced New York traffic ticket attorney. A knowledgeable and experienced traffic ticket attorney understands the pertinent laws and can help you to establish the best argument. AutoTrafficTickets.com can help. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!
Posted in: Seatbelt Tickets