Many of you get in the car and drive every day. And when you do, are you buckling up regularly? Not only is wearing a seatbelt the best safety measure in your car, but it’s the law!
Many people wonder if you can get a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt in Florida. The simple answer? Yes. Wearing a seatbelt in a motorized vehicle is the law in Florida and can result in a ticket, except in a few specific cases.
At Adolphe Law, our Auto accident attorneys in Lake Worth, Florida, have worked with a number of clients who have been in accidents and injured because of a lack of seatbelts. We don’t want that to happen to you! So, buckle up—both because it’s the law and because it’s the best way to keep yourself safe.
Here’s more about the laws around wearing a seatbelt in Florida and how you can avoid contacting an accident attorney in Lake Worth by buckling up.
Wearing a Seatbelt: The Law
Under Florida law (section 316.614 of the Florida Statutes), all drivers, front seat passengers, or passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a seatbelt. Children are also permitted to be in a booster seat or other child safety restraints.
There are a few exceptions to this law. Those who do not need to wear a seatbelt include:
· A person with a certified medical condition who cannot wear one.
· School buses purchased prior to 2000
· Farm equipment
· Trucks of more than 26,000 pounds
· Employees of a newspaper delivery service
These are just exceptions and apply to select cases only. In general, it is illegal not to wear a seatbelt while in a moving vehicle in Florida. This means that you can receive a ticket for not wearing one, as it is against the law.
Wearing a Seatbelt: The Importance
Besides being illegal, wearing a seatbelt is important to keep you safe! Every time you’re in a vehicle, there is some level of inherent risk. Seatbelts are the best way to mitigate this risk and stay safe.
In the event of a crash, your seatbelt will prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle or thrown against other passengers. If you’re the driver, it’ll keep you behind the wheel so you can control the car.
The FLHSMV (Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) reports that wearing a seatbelt reduces your risk of being killed or injured in a motor vehicle crash by almost 50%. So, it’s worth buckling up!
However, if you are in a car crash and receive injuries, you may need to speak with an accident attorney in Lake Worth, Florida. Our team of personal injury lawyers and auto accident attorneys is here to fight on your behalf and help achieve justice. Contact us today to begin the conversation with an accident attorney in Lake Worth.