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Proper seatbelt usage is essential for a driver’s safety. In Florida, mandatory seatbelt laws apply to all vehicle occupants, including adults and children. Violating Florida seatbelt laws can cause significant repercussions for accident victims and result in legal penalties.

If you drive a car in and around Orlando, Florida, you must be aware of the existing seat belt laws. Continue reading this article for more information. 

The Florida Seatbelt Laws 

Florida Seatbelt Laws issue tickets to both passengers and drivers for improper use of seatbelts. All passengers under 18, regardless of their seating position, are required to wear a seatbelt. Florida is a primary Seatbelt Law State (Florida Statutes Section 316.614). It is considered a primary offense if seatbelts are not properly worn and are found during an accident investigation. 

If you are driving in Orlando and other parts of Florida, it is necessary to keep the seatbelt laws in mind. Consulting the best car accident lawyer in Orlando will automatically be beneficial in knowing about the following rules: 

• All drivers are mandatorily required to wear a seatbelt while driving 
• All passengers are required to wear a seatbelt, particularly those sitting in the front seat. 
• Any passengers under 18 years of age, riding on the back seat of the vehicle, are required to wear a seatbelt. 
• All children under 3 years of age are required to sit in a federally approved restraint seat. 
• Children aged 4 to 5 also need to be seated in a federally approved seat or safety belt.

Exemptions from the Florida Seat Belt Laws 

There are certain exemptions from the Florida Seat Belt Laws. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Passengers over 18 who are sitting in the back seat of a vehicle don’t have to wear seatbelts mandatorily. 
• An individual with a medical notice from a licensed physician stating that wearing a seatbelt might cause significant physical harm is exempt. 
• Both minors and adults with the situation mentioned above are exempted. 
• If the ticket is disputed, the individual must present the doctor’s note to the officer or in court. 
• Newspaper home delivery employees distribute papers. 
• Farm equipment. 
• Buses are used for people's transportation without proper compensation. 
• Trucks having a net weight of over 26,000 lbs. 

Navigating through the exemption criteria can be daunting. That’s why detailed assistance from the best car accident attorney in Orlando can be beneficial. An experienced attorney can not only guide you with the eligibility criteria but also assist you in safeguarding your interests during a dispute over tickets. 

Application of Florida Seatbelt Laws for Backseat Passengers

According to the Florida Seatbelt Laws, specific rules apply for backseat passengers. Apart from the age criteria of children discussed above, it is essential to know the risk of failure. The following are the essentials that you need to know: 

• Failing to buckle children in or insisting that older children wear seat belts can result in traffic tickets. 
• In Florida, failing to adequately provide, install, and use a child restraint seat can result in heavy fines. 
• Drivers must ensure that all passengers are appropriately restrained while driving. 

Disobeying Florida Seatbelt Laws is illegal and dangerous for anyone in your vehicle. It is smart to insist that everyone in your car buckle up safely to prevent major injuries after accidents. 

Proper Child Restraint Under Florida Seatbelt Laws 

Proper child restraint under Florida Seatbelt Laws is effective in preventing serious injuries to children during car accidents. Consulting with the best car accident lawyer in Orlando is necessary for navigating through the options that are federally approved. 

The following are the different measures that you can take for proper child restraint: 

• Use a child restraint device that meets federal safety standards. 
• The child restraint device should be according to the child’s age, weight, and height. 
• Use rear-facing car seats for infants. 
• Use forward-facing car seats for toddlers. 
• Use booster seats for older children and for children who are large enough to fit them properly. 

Penalties for Violating Florida Seatbelt Laws 

Violating Florida Seatbelt Laws can result in severe and hefty fines and points that are added to the driver’s license. The exact penalties may vary depending on the nature of the violation. For instance, if a child is involved in the accident and was not adequately secured, the fine can be hefty, and the driver’s license might be canceled. 

If you are a driver, make sure that you adhere to each of the conditions in Florida's Seatbelt Laws properly. Following the laws will not only help you avoid penalties, but also ensure your own and your passengers’ safety. 

When in Doubt, Connect with Us 

We hope that the information provided above has been beneficial to you. At Injury Assistance Law Firm, we work with the most experienced car accident attorneys in Florida. With comprehensive legal help, you will be able to adhere to and navigate through the Florida Seatbelt Laws properly. Connect with us today for a free consultation.