Most people understand that seat belts save lives. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that wearing seat belts and using child safety restraints properly can reduce the risk of death and serious injury by half. However, you should also understand Rhode Island laws and the penalties you face if you violate them.
Adult Seat Belt Laws
In 2011, Rhode Island made seat belt violations a primary offense—meaning police can pull over and ticket drivers and their passengers for not wearing seat belts, even if no other violation was committed. Rhode Island requires:
- Any person 13 years of age or older, in any seating position, to wear safety belt and shoulder harness systems properly while being transported.
- Any vehicle operator to wear a safety belt or shoulder harness system properly while driving.
Child Safety Restraint Laws
In addition to safety restraint rules for teens and adults, Rhode Island also has strict laws on restraining children properly. It’s important to note that the driver is responsible if he violates any of the following child safety restraint laws:
- Any child under the age of 8, shorter than 4’ 9”, and less than 80 pounds must be properly restrained in a rear-facing car seat, or booster seat safety system.
- Any child age 8 to 12 must be properly restrained with a seat belt, in any seat position in the vehicle.
If a law enforcement finds a child riding in the front seat, or any child age 8 or older not wearing a safety restraint, you will be fined $85. If you transport a child without any child restraint, you must appear in court.