Safety Laws

Seat Belts

Anyone riding in the front seat of a vehicle, regardless of the occupant's age, must wear a seat belt. All rear-seat passengers between the ages of 4 to 16 must be restrained by an appropriate safety system.

Drivers not wearing a seat belt, or failing to ensure that occupants under the age of 16 are wearing a seat belt, can be charged with a $37 fine. A police officer may pull a driver over solely for not wearing a seat belt.

Child Safety Seats

Children under seven years old or weighing less than 60 pounds must ride in a child safety seat. (Children under the age of one or weighing less than 20 pounds must be in a rear-facing seat.)

After a child exceeds these limits, the child must be secured in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt, until they outgrow the booster seat.

Failing to follow the child safety seat rules can result in a fine and an order to complete a car seat education class.

If you need help installing a child seat or determining what type you need, make an appointment to visit a child safety seat fitting location and receive the assistance you need, at no charge to you.

Bicycle Helmets

Anyone riding a bicycle who is under 16 years old must wear a helmet.

The state provides practical safety information for bike riders of all ages.

Motorcycle Helmets and Eyewear

Motorcycle operators under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. Drivers over 18 are required to wear a helmet if they only have a motorcycle permit, and not a motorcycle license.

Drivers of all ages must wear protective eyewear, such as goggles or glasses, unless the cycle is equipped with a windshield.

Cell Phones

Drivers under the age of 18 aren't allowed to use cell phones (including the hands-free type) or any mobile electronic devices while driving. This includes personal digital assistants (PDAs) and text-messaging systems.

Motorists over 18 may only use hands-free cell phones while driving.

However, drivers of all ages are permitted to use a conventional or hands-free cell phone in an emergency situations, such as when calling for an ambulance or contacting law enforcement.

Snow Tires

Motorists may drive on these specialty tires yearly from November 15-April 30.

Headlights

Headlights must be turned on whenever it's impossible to clearly see at least 500 feet ahead, during periods of precipitation, and from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

Unattended Children

Anyone who leaves a child under the age of 12 unattended in a vehicle long enough that it represents a substantial risk to the child's well-being, could be found guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

Should this happen between 8 p.m.- 6 a.m., the charge rises to a class C felony.

Reporting an Unsafe Driver

Motorists who detect a dangerous or possibly inebriated driver should call 911 to report it.