Pennsylvania's Safety Belt Law
All drivers of a passenger car, Class I truck, Class II truck or motor home transporting children 8 years of age or older but under 18 years of age are responsible to securely restrain those children in a seat belt system when riding anywhere in the vehicle. Violators of this secondary law shall be fined $10.00; $30.00 Cat Fund; $10.00 EMS Fund and $10.00 Administrative Costs. Secondary law means that drivers can be ticketed only when cited and convicted from another violation, such as speeding or running a red light. Each driver and front seat occupant of a passenger car, Class I truck, Class II truck or motor home operated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania , shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt system. (Secondary Law) Violators, if convicted of the primary offense for which the vehicle was stopped, shall pay a $10.00 fine; $30.00 CAT Fund; $10.00 EMS Fund and $10.00 Administrative Cost for the seat belt violation. Exceptions to the law are made for (1) those whom a physician has verified in writing are unable to wear a seat belt system for physical or medical reasons or a psychiatrist/qualified specialist has verified in writing that a person is unable to wear a seat belt for psychological reasons (written verification must be produced); (2) occupants of cars manufactured before July 1, 1966; (3) specific occupational designations. A driver who is under 18 years of age may not operate a motor vehicle in which the number of passengers exceeds the number of available safety belts in the vehicle. (Primary Law). Violators shall be stopped as a primary offense and shall pay a fine of $10.00; $30.00 CAT Fund; $10.00 EMS Fund and $10.00 Administrative Costs. NOTE: NHTSA recommends that children 12 and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat – small children should ride in a rear seat in child safety seats approved for their height and weight. And infants in rear facing child safety seats should NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger side air bag. For clarification, other details or a complete copy of the law: 1-800-CAR-BELT PA TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION PROJECT 610-520-3661 |
