Do you have to wear a seat belt in Colorado?

With the snowfall comes driving dangers, such as icy roads and lower visibility. Getting into a motor vehicle accident and sustaining an injury is a real risk. One of the safety measures that can decrease the chances of fatality or severe injury in a collision is wearing a seat belt.

Despite this precaution saving lives, many people still choose not to buckle up. There is no federal regulation all states must follow, so what is the law regarding seat belts in Colorado?

Colorado seat belts

The law states that if you are a driver or passenger in the front seat, you have to wear a seat belt. A police officer cannot pull you over for this traffic offense alone, but can give you a ticket for it in addition to one for another traffic law you violated. For example, if a cop stops you for speeding and notices your seat belt is not on, then you could receive two tickets.

Backseat passengers do not have to wear a seat belt unless they are 15 years old or younger. Drivers must follow state requirements on children using car seats, booster seats and seat belts. If the children in your car do not have proper restraints for their age and size, then the police can pull you over and ticket you for this violation only.

Why seat belts matter

Seat belts may be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but there is no denying the truth that they are effective at providing safety. Data from the CDC shows that more than half of the people who died in car accidents were not wearing a seat belt.

Because you do not have control over how people drive on the road, take control of one part of your safety by buckling up when you get behind the wheel. Even though it is not law, you should still wear your seat belt in the back seat, too.

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Category:

• Car Accidents