Governor Andrew Cuomo signed S.4336 / A.6163 in August, requiring passengers over the age of 16 to wear a seatbelt when riding in the back seat.
The law goes into effect this Sunday, November 1 throughout the state.
In the past, state law required passengers over the age of 16 to wear a seatbelt when riding in the front seat next to the driver.
“We have known for decades that seat belts save lives and with this action we are further strengthening our laws and helping to prevent unnecessary tragedies,” Cuomo said in a statement.
“It was under my father’s leadership that New York became the first state in the country to pass a seat belt law, and the nation followed suit. Now we are building on this legacy and helping create a safer state. and stronger for all “.
In 1984, under Governor Mario Cuomo, New York became the first state to pass a mandatory seat belt law. In that same year, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, approximately 16% of people used seat belts. In 2008, 24 years after the law was enacted, the compliance rate was as high as 89%.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts not only reduce the severity of injuries, they also help prevent crash-related fatalities by nearly half.
Sanction for breaking the law will apply after a car is stopped and it will be only the offending passenger who receives a fine of up to $ 50. That means that the guideline exempts the driver and the rest of the occupants.
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