Lawyer specializing in traffic accidents, medical malpractice, and personal injury law (323) 856-1143 [This is an English translation using Google AI.]
Lawyer specializing in traffic accidents, medical malpractice, and personal injury law (323) 856-1143 [This is an English translation using Google AI.]
Publications & Resources
Metroplex Wilshire
3530 Wilshire Blvd, Ste. 1170
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone: (323) 856-1143
Fax: (323) 421-9329
Email: rchu@rchulaw.com
© RYC Law, P.C. All rights reserved.
Metroplex Wilshire
3530 Wilshire Blvd, Ste. 1170
Los Angeles, CA 90010
© RYC Law, P.C. All rights reserved.
Phone: (323) 856-1143
Fax: (323) 421-9329
Email: rchu@rchulaw.com
Q.
I know that if you don't wear your seat belt, you get a ticket. Is it against the law to not wear a seat belt in the back seat as well?
A.
Wearing a seat belt is the easiest and safest way to protect you and your family from a car accident. However, it is reported that more than 80% of passengers in the back seat do not wear a seat belt. California law requires all passengers to wear seat belts while a car is in motion. And they must wear seat belts regardless of whether they are sitting in the front or back seats. If a person has a doctor's prescription that does not require seat belts, there are cases where it is okay to not wear a seat belt. Drivers are responsible for the actions of the passengers in their vehicles, and are also responsible for getting ticketed for not wearing a seatbelt. So if someone in the backseat of your car is not wearing a seatbelt, you can get ticketed for that. If that passenger is under 16, only the driver will get ticketed. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $142 for the first offense, and $250 for the second offense within three years. Laws Regarding the Ride of Infants and Toddlers in Vehicles In California, as of January 1, 2012, infants and toddlers under 1 year old and under 20 pounds must ride in the back seat of a vehicle in a rear-facing seat, and children must ride in a rear-facing safety seat (or booster seat) until they turn 8. Additionally, children over 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches (145 cm) tall may use a seat belt (as long as the lap belt is across the hips and the shoulder belt is across the center of the chest). Note that if a child under 16 is not buckled up, the parent or driver can be fined up to $475 and face penalty points. Another thing we must remember is that it is extremely dangerous for children to sit in the front seat. When they sit in the back seat, the risk is reduced by 33% compared to when they sit in the front seat. Therefore, except in unavoidable circumstances such as the following, infants and toddlers should always ride in the back seat. - If your car doesn't have a back seat - If children under 12 years old occupy the back seat