ByGetting Acquainted With the Virginia Seatbelt Laws
Many drivers in Virginia tend to forget about the basic seatbelt rules when operating their vehicles. Such reckless acts usually result in high fines and tiresome court proceedings, while more serious consequences include severe injuries or even death. Compliance with the proposed regulations can save thousands of lives a year, which is why everyone should know the ins and outs of the local rules.
What do the Virginia seatbelt laws dictate? What child seatbelt regulations does the Old Dominion define? How much does a seatbelt ticket cost, and how can you get it dismissed yourself or ? We cover these and many more questions and answers in this easy-to-follow manual!
A Quick Overview of the Virginia Seatbelt Laws
Seatbelt regulations in Virginia are defined by Section §46.2-1094 of the Code of Virginia. To help you understand them, we made a concise scheme with the most important questions and answers related to this law:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Who must have their seatbelt on in a vehicle in Virginia? | Seatbelt use is required for:
Backseat passengers don’t have to wear safety belts, but they are advised to do it for security reasons |
| Who gets ticketed if one or multiple passengers in the vehicle aren’t buckled up? | Driver, unless the passenger(s) is/are above the age of 16 |
| Is a seatbelt rule violation a primary or secondary offense in Virginia? |
|
| Does not wearing a seatbelt count as a crime in Virginia? | No—it counts as an infraction |
| Is a seatbelt ticket a moving violation? | No |
| Can you get additional demerit points on your driving record after getting a seatbelt citation? | No |
| Do your car insurance rates increase or change if you get a seatbelt fine? | No |
Who Is Exempt From the Seatbelt Laws in Virginia?
The statute determines several exceptions to the seatbelt rules in Virginia. You can be excused from having your safety belt on if:
- A particular medical condition doesn’t let you use it properly—in such a case, you must have a signed written statement from your physician anytime you are riding/operating a vehicle
- You are a:
- Garbage collector
- Utility meter reader
- Rural mail carrier or USPS deliverer on duty
- Rural newspaper route carrier or bundle hauler
- Driver or passenger in a taxicab
- Commercial or municipal vehicle operator who leaves their car frequently
- Law enforcement officer transporting offenders or driving in other specific circumstances that make wearing a seatbelt impractical
What About the Virginia Child Seatbelt Laws?
The most significant child seatbelt requirements are stated in Chapter 10, Article 13 of the Code of Virginia. Check out the list below for more details:
- All passengers under eight must be protected with an appropriate child restraint system or a regular seatbelt, depending on their age, height, or weight
- Babies under the age of two should always ride in the rear-facing restraint device placed on the back seat of your vehicle. Keeping a child in the front seat is not allowed unless your vehicle doesn’t have rear seats. If you have a front seat only, ensure you don’t have any active airbags
- Toddlers between two and four years old weighing 20 pounds or more should ride in a forward-facing car seat. The best option is the one with a five-point harness system, and the child can use it until they outgrow it
- Kids between four and eight years old must be secured in a suitable booster seat until they are ready to start using traditional safety belts
It’s not permitted to drive children in the rear cargo area of the vehicle.
How Much Do You Have To Pay for a Seatbelt Ticket in Virginia?
If the police officer pulls you over for not having your safety belt on, you will receive a $25 ticket. The fines are twice as high—$50—if you violate child restraint rules. The good news is that this type of violation doesn’t entail any court expenses if it’s your first offense. All subsequent violations bring even higher costs, and the same happens if you don’t pay the fine on time.
How Does DoNotPay Help You Fight a Seatbelt Citation From Any Location?
Appealing a seatbelt ticket can be tricky since it entails various tasks, such as:
- Structuring an appropriate argument for your claim
- Composing an appeal letter by including all relevant details about your case
- Providing additional evidence to support your excuses for not wearing a seatbelt at the moment of the offense
- Visiting the local ticket authorities and submitting your claim in person
With DoNotPay, this lengthy procedure becomes a breeze! All we need from you is a few clicks and some responses to our chatbot’s questions. Upon getting the necessary info, we will create a unique appeal letter and forward it to the chosen authorities in no time! The best part is—you get your letter wherever you are, as everything is done electronically!
Here’s what the process entails:
- Pick the Seatbelt Ticket feature
- Provide us with the photo of your ticket
- Tell us more about your case and choose the argument you want to use for the defense
The table below contains the guides you can use to figure out how seatbelt laws in other states work. Use them if you plan to travel to:
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