Seat Belt Ticket Attorney in New York City
How Much Is a Seatbelt Ticket in NY?
In New York, the penalties for a “no seat belt” ticket vary depending on the age of the person who was not wearing their seat belt. Specific laws regarding seat belt violations are found in N.Y. VTL §1229-c.
Child Restraint Violations
Child restraint violations will result in up to a $100 fine and 3 points added to your driving record for a first offense.
These violations are as follows:
- Not using a child restraint (i.e. car seat) for a child age four or under
- Using an adult restraint (instead of an appropriate car seat or booster seat) for a child age 7 or younger
- Anyone under the age of 16 riding without a seat belt
Adult Seat Belt Violations
Adult seat belt violations will result in a $50 fine when the driver is not buckled up. Drivers could also face additional fines for each passenger who is not wearing a seat belt. A “no seat belt” ticket issued to a driver carries zero points.
Such violations are as follows:
- Anyone age 16 or older riding without a seat belt
- Any driver riding without a seat belt
If you have received a ticket for a seat belt violation in New York City, call (877) 803-2603 or send us a message online for a free consultation. We help people across all five boroughs, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
Do Seat Belt Violations Affect Your Insurance?
While a seat belt violation may seem minor, it has the potential to impact your auto insurance. Insurance companies evaluate your driving record to determine your risk profile, and any traffic violation, including a seat belt ticket, can influence their assessment.
In New York, a seat belt violation can result in fines and, more importantly, points on your driver’s license. Drivers can receive up to three points for failing to wear a seat belt or for transporting an unrestrained passenger under 16 years old. Accumulating points not only puts you closer to license suspension but also signals to insurers that you may be a higher-risk driver. Even a single violation can raise red flags if it is part of a broader pattern of infractions.
The actual effect on your insurance premiums depends on your provider’s policies. Some insurers may overlook a first-time seat belt offense, especially if your record is otherwise clean. However, others may treat it as an indicator of negligence, leading to higher premiums. Additionally, multiple violations can exacerbate the issue, resulting in significant financial consequences over time.
For those facing a seat belt ticket, disputing the violation with the help of an experienced traffic attorney can mitigate potential damage. By successfully fighting the ticket or reducing the penalties, drivers can avoid points on their license, preserving both their record and insurance rates.
How to Fight a Seat Belt Ticket in NY
If you have been cited for a seat belt violation, don't hesitate to hire an NYC seat belt ticket lawyer immediately. At Gannes & Musico, LLP, we have more than 20 years of collective experience in New York traffic ticket defense. With our assistance, you could fight your seat belt ticket and avoid fines or points on your record.
Our firm has represented thousands of traffic ticket cases.
We have the training and skill to build a strong defense and fight on your behalf. As experienced trial lawyers, both Margo Gannes and Philip Musico have extensive understanding of the New York court systems and procedures, and will stop at nothing to defend you from harsh penalties.
Receive a seat belt ticket in NYC? For a free initial consultation with our seat belt ticket attorneys in New York, contact us online call us at (877) 803-2603.
