New York State Thruway Authority: Traveler Information: Buckle Up New York

Safety and Emergency Tips

Buckle Up New York

Seat belts must be worn, as follows:

All passengers in the front seat of a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt [Section 1229-c (2) and (3), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law]. (This link will open in a new browser window).
All children under the age of sixteen (16) must wear a seat belt in the back seat [Section 1229-c(1), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law]. Children from birth through age eight are required to ride in an appropriate child restraint system. (This link will open in a new browser window).
All children under the age of 16 are required to be buckled up when traveling in recreation vehicles, mobile homes and campers if they are equipped with seat belts.

Front seat passengers sixteen and older can be fined up to $50 [Section 1229-c(5), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law]. (This link will open in a new browser window).
Drivers can be fined up to $100 for each passenger under the age of sixteen who is not properly restrained in their vehicles [Section 1229-c(5), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law]. The driver will also receive three violation points on his or her driver record. (This link will open in a new browser window).

Child Passenger Restraints Are Not An Option, They Are The Law!

All children must be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle, until they reach their 8th birthday.
An appropriate child restraint system is one that meets the child's size and weight recommended by the manufacturer.
The safety belt in your vehicle is not designed for children. A booster seat raises your child up so that the safety belt fits your child correctly and provides better protection.
Child Safety Seats - Use and Misuse (This link will open in a new browser window).
For New York State Law based on child passengers click here (This link will open in a new browser window).