Are back-seat passengers required to wear seat belts in New York?

Are back-seat passengers required to wear seat belts in New York?

• A. No, only front-seat passengers must wear belts.
• B. Yes; if a seat belt is available, all passengers must wear it.
• C. Only children must wear seat belts back there.
• D. It is optional for back-seat passengers.

Answer: (B)

The rule being tested is that seat belt use is required for every occupant whenever a seat belt is available, including those in the back seat. In New York, anyone riding in a vehicle must buckle up if their seating position has a seat belt. This safety requirement applies to back-seat passengers as well, so long as a belt is present on the seat. The practical takeaway is that back-seat passengers must wear a belt whenever their seat is equipped with one. The only exception is if the seat doesn’t have a belt or the belt isn’t available to use.

The rule being tested is that seat belt use is required for every occupant whenever a seat belt is available, including those in the back seat. In New York, anyone riding in a vehicle must buckle up if their seating position has a seat belt. This safety requirement applies to back-seat passengers as well, so long as a belt is present on the seat. The practical takeaway is that back-seat passengers must wear a belt whenever their seat is equipped with one. The only exception is if the seat doesn’t have a belt or the belt isn’t available to use.