Wearing a seatbelt can save lives, and Alabama law requires drivers and passengers to buckle up. Understanding the state’s seatbelt laws can help you avoid fines and stay safer on the road.
Who must wear a seatbelt in Alabama?
Alabama law requires all front-seat occupants to wear a seatbelt. Drivers and front-seat passengers can face fines if caught without one. Passengers in the back seat aged 15 and older are not legally required to wear a seatbelt, but doing so is strongly recommended for safety.
What are the penalties for not wearing a seatbelt?
If caught without a seatbelt, drivers and passengers in Alabama face a fine of $25. This fine applies separately to each unbelted occupant. Law enforcement officers can stop a vehicle if they see someone in the front seat not wearing a seatbelt, as Alabama has a primary enforcement law for seatbelt use.
Are there seatbelt rules for children?
Yes, Alabama has specific laws for child passengers. Children under one year old or weighing less than 20 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat. Kids between one and five years old and under 40 pounds must use a forward-facing car seat. Booster seats are required for children under six years old, and all children under 15 must wear a seatbelt, whether in the front or back seat.
Do any exceptions apply?
Some exceptions exist for Alabama’s seatbelt laws. Occupants of vehicles manufactured before 1965 are not required to wear seatbelts. People with certain medical conditions may also be exempt if they have a doctor’s note. Additionally, rural mail carriers performing their duties are not required to wear a seatbelt.
Why is wearing a seatbelt important?
Seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash. Buckling up protects you from being thrown from the vehicle and minimizes impact injuries. Following Alabama’s seatbelt laws can keep you safe and prevent unnecessary fines.