In Utah, buckling up is not just about seat belt safety. Buckling up is the law for almost everyone in the vehicle.
Understanding Utah Seat Belt Laws: Who Is Legally Required To Buckle Up in Utah?
Utah’s Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Usage Act applies to most drivers and passengers in vehicles operated on Utah highways.
Adult requirements
Utah’s seat belt law places responsibility on both drivers and passengers. Under Utah Code § 41-6a-1803, the following adults must be buckled whenever a vehicle is traveling on a highway:
- The driver must wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt whenever the vehicle is operating on a highway.
- Every passenger aged 16 or older must also wear a seat belt, in any seat.
These rules apply regardless of where in the vehicle the adult is seated.
Child requirements
Utah’s child passenger safety rules go beyond a standard seat belt, requiring age- and size-appropriate restraints for younger riders:
- Children younger than 8 must ride in an approved car seat or booster used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, unless they are at least 57 inches tall.
- A child under 8 years old or who is 57 inches or taller may use a properly adjusted seat belt instead of a child restraint.
- Children who are at least 8 years old but under 16 years must be secured with a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt.
These rules are designed to ensure that younger passengers are secured in a way that provides appropriate protection for their size and age.
Exceptions to Utah Seat Belt Requirements
Utah law recognizes that seat belts cannot be used in certain limited circumstances. The statute, therefore, includes several specific exceptions.
Seat belt requirements generally do not apply to:
- Occupants of a vehicle manufactured before July 1, 1966, when the vehicle was not originally equipped with seat belts.
- Individuals who have written verification from a licensed physician or physician assistant stating that wearing a seat belt is not medically advisable.
- Occupants seated in positions that are not required by federal law to be equipped with seat belts.
- Passengers, when all seating positions equipped with seat belts are already occupied.
These exceptions are relatively narrow, and most drivers and passengers in Utah are still required to buckle up.
Penalties for Violating Seat Belt Laws in Utah
Utah law makes not wearing a seat belt a traffic infraction. A peace officer may issue a citation for violating the seat belt statute. A seat belt violation is an infraction with a maximum base fine of $45 per citation. No driver’s license points are assessed for a seat belt violation.
For a first violation involving failure to use a required child restraint, the court generally waives the fine if you show proof you acquired or rented an appropriate child restraint device.
How Insurance Companies Use Seat Belt Non-Compliance To Reduce Payouts
Insurance companies are always looking for ways to argue that you share some of the blame for your injuries so they can pay less under Utah’s modified comparative negligence rules. Non-compliance with seat belt laws is a common issue in car accident claims.
However, Utah has an important protection for car accident victims. According to the law, the failure to use a seat belt or use a child restraint device:
- Does not count as comparative negligence or contributory fault by the person seeking damages; and,
- May not be introduced as evidence in any civil case on the issues of negligence, injuries, or mitigation of damages.
In other words, in court, the defense is not allowed to argue that you should get less money just because you were not buckled up. However, in settlement negotiations, adjusters may still discuss seat belt use and try to leverage it to lower the settlement offer.
Contact McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Salt Lake City Car Accident Lawyer
Utah seat belt laws are designed to promote safety and ensure that drivers and passengers take basic precautions while traveling on the road. While failing to wear a seat belt may result in a traffic citation, Utah law also makes clear that seat belt non-compliance alone does not prevent an injured person from pursuing compensation after a crash.
If you have questions or need help, contact McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer and discuss your situation.
We serve in Austin, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT.
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