We know “Buckle up, it’s the law.” Wearing a seat belt is the law for adults and, depending on their age, minors. Seat belts can save lives in a car accident. Adults know the consequences of not “buckling up” and bear the risk. Unlike adults, children do not. That is why the law and courts take this violation seriously, especially tickets that are issued for child passengers in a car.
The Law
The law says that in order to drive a car a driver and all passengers must wear a seat belt. There are few exceptions to the law, and the law is pretty straightforward. But what if you or a passenger is not “buckled up” and you, as a driver, are issued a No Seat Belt ticket?
Monetary Penalties
Fines for No Seat Belt ticket run about $100 plus a mandatory surcharge of either $88 or $93. This does not seem like a lot of money, right? Guess what? The courts and police officers will not tell you about the “hidden” cost.
“Hidden Costs.” A guilty plea to a New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1229-c (VTL § 1229-c) No Seat Belt – Driver ticket can cost you thousands of dollars. What most drivers do not realize is that this ticket will cause a car insurance increase. Why? Car insurance companies function on an Insurance Demerit Point or Merit Rating Plan. Convictions, or pleas of guilty for certain tickets will cause an auto insurance surcharge. Each insurance company is different and will determine their premium increase and duration, which can be for years. An auto insurance company may review a driver’s three-year driving record. Upon a finding of a merit system violation, then the car insurance company can increase the insured’s premium.
Point Penalties
A No Seat Belt ticket issued can carry up to 3 points for a passenger.
Other Penalties
Out of state driver will not escape the consequences of a no seat belt ticket in Westchester County or other counties in New York State. So beware: no seat belt ticket can cause harm regardless of your home state.
There is an agreement, or interstate compact, between the states known as The Driver License Compact. In this agreement, States have agreed to communicate driving information with one another and to report resident traffic violation convictions to a driver’s home state. Then the violation will be treated as if it happened in the home state and local laws may be applied to the offense.
Discover Your Options — Consult The Best Traffic Ticket Lawyer in Westchester County
Learn how to avoid the negative consequences of a no seat belt ticket conviction and save money in the process. Get the best outcome possible by teaming up with The Claro Law Firm to fight for your rights! Call your traffic lawyer, Elisa Claro, Esq. at 917-300-3334 or visit us online at www.lawredress.com for a free consultation. Let the best Westchester County traffic ticket attorney work for you. New York traffic lawyer Elisa Claro, Esq. has handled thousands of traffic tickets cases throughout New York, including Westchester County – Yonkers, Greenburgh, White Plains, with fantastic results. Start your success today!