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Seat belts are a necessary safety measure for all drivers and passengers, no matter where they live. In Missouri, all drivers and passengers, both in the front and rear seats of passenger cars, must wear an appropriately fastened safety belt.
The Missouri law also requires all drivers and passengers to use an appropriate child safety seat or appropriate booster seat to secure children under the age of eight. On the other hand, children over the age of eight and taller than 4'9" must wear seat belts in a motor vehicle.
A survey approved by the Missouri Highway Patrol in 2020 stated that over 68% of motor vehicle accidents involved unbuckled front seat passengers and drivers.
Who Is Required to Wear Seat Belts Under the Missouri Seat Belt Laws?
In Missouri, seat belt laws are applied to all front-seat passengers in motor vehicles. The same applies to rear-seat passengers in vehicles designed to accommodate them. Seat belts must be fastened properly when the vehicle is in motion, and the failure to comply with the stated seat belt laws can result in the issuance of jurisdictional summons and the imposition of fines and court costs.
Under and Over the Age of 16
All individuals under the age of 16 are legally required to wear a seat belt when riding in a motor vehicle. This includes all front-seat passengers as well as all rear-seat passengers. The safety belt must be fastened around the individual and cannot be loose. Those over the age of 16 must also use a seat belt; however, they are in charge of themselves.
Physical Requirements
Child safety seats are also necessary under the Missouri seat belt law and must fit the height and weight requirements of the toddler while also being properly secured around the individual. Powell Law Firm can answer more questions about Missouri Car Seat Laws.
Under Eight Years Old
Booster seats are required for children four years old and younger who weigh between 40 and 50 pounds.
Over Eight Years Old
On the other hand, children over the age of eight and taller than 4'9", weighing between 70 and at least 80 pounds, may use an appropriate seat belt without a booster seat in a motor vehicle.
Exceptions to Seat Belt Laws
There are a few exceptions to this seat belt law that include a doctor's letter stating that the individual cannot wear a seat belt due to health reasons or if the person is operating a motorcycle, moped, or ATV. Postal carriers are also exempt from putting a seat belt on when delivering mail.
The Consequences of Not Adhering to the Seat Belt Law in Missouri
It is important to understand the seat belt laws in Missouri because failure to adhere to them can result in costly court costs and fines. In addition, not wearing a seat belt or equipping a toddler in an appropriate child safety seat could result in serious injuries in the event of a car crash. The insurance company may also raise premiums for drivers and passengers who do not wear seat belts.
Penalties and Fines for Failing to Equip a Safety Belt
In Missouri, it's illegal for a driver to have any passenger under four years old or weighing less than 80 pounds not secured correctly as stated by the child restraint laws. This means the toddler must be restrained to an appropriate booster seat or have an appropriate child safety seat belt on.
Drivers failing to adhere to such child safety laws are subject to fines, court costs, and even criminal charges in the case of injuries caused by a car crash. Failure to comply with Missouri's child restraint laws can result in a $10 fine and $50 court costs per violation.
How Not Wearing Seat Belts Can Influence Insurance Claims
It's important to make sure children in motor vehicles are properly restrained in the appropriate child safety seat or appropriate booster seat at all times. In Missouri, any child under eight years of age must be properly fastened in such seats, or the driver is subject to the aforementioned fine.
That said, not wearing seat belts—or having a child improperly restrained—can affect insurance claims if negligence is involved in a crash, also resulting in criminal charges in some cases. In a negligence lawsuit, improperly restraining a child in a vehicle could mean that the driver is partially responsible for any injuries suffered by the toddler in the car crash.
Contact a Missouri Car Accident Attorney
The Missouri government is strict about seat belt laws, and failing to adhere to the requirements set by the state can have costly repercussions. However, drivers and passengers unsure of such laws should speak to knowledgeable car accident lawyers for guidance and expert advice.
Drivers involved in a car crash with an injured child can be held partially responsible, which might result in the adult becoming a target of a negligence lawsuit. If the person is partially responsible for the crash and incapable of meeting the acceptable standard of care, then they may be at risk of such charges.
That's why it's important to contact a Missouri car accident attorney who can help. A lawyer can provide sound legal advice and financial guidance that can help plaintiffs respond to accusations of negligence.
Experienced legal representation from an attorney in the field of a car accident can make the difference between success and failure when it comes to such dire situations. With the right help, accused individuals can protect their legal rights and ensure that they receive the full level of compensation they deserve. Powell Law Firm also has information on Missouri workers compensation laws.
Final Words
To summarize, drivers familiarizing themselves with the Missouri seat belt laws is something paramount. Each year, numerous motorists find themselves facing unwanted fines and/or criminal charges for failing to obey these laws. Should an accident happen, a qualified attorney can help drivers receive fair reparation and defend them against any potential negligence lawsuits.
In the end, each and every person should follow the multiple laws that help protect the safety of Missouri's roads. Moreover, the drivers should seek qualified legal and financial advice should they ever fail to stick to such laws or find themselves as a defendant in a legal case.