A Virginia police officer can’t pull you over solely for violating Virginia seatbelt laws. Virginia seatbelt citations for adults can only be issued in conjunction with a charge on another traffic offense. This means, however, that your legal liability may be serious.

Virginia Seatbelt Laws for Children

Children may or may not be willing or able to secure themselves in passenger vehicles. Oversight is necessary to lessen the risk of injury in an impact. Therefore, when children are not restrained while a motor vehicle is in motion, the driver violates Virginia seatbelt laws.

Virginia law states that children under 7 must use restraint devices approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation when seated in the front or back seat of a vehicle. Check the height and weight limitations on product labels for accurate child safety seating.

Rear-facing car seats must be installed in the back seat. Children 4 through 7 may use belt-positioning boosters instead. Children 8 through 15 must use lap belts and shoulder harnesses at all times.

The penalty for Virginia child safety restraint violations ($50 in 2009) is double the penalty for adults ($25). A simple rule for drivers is: When a child won’t use a car seat or belt, the vehicle does not move. Exceptions to these Virginia seatbelt laws include drivers of taxicabs, school buses, limousines and executive sedans.

Child safety restraint violations are grounds for primary enforcement in Virginia. This means that Virginia police can stop and charge you without even if there is no other traffic violation in place. The larger consequences of noncompliance, however, include personal injury and even wrongful death. A Virginia traffic law attorney can advise you of your rights.

If you were involved in a Virginia car accident and sustained serious injuries, you should consult with a Virginia personal injury attorney that specializes in Virginia traffic law. It is important that the Virginia accident lawyer you choose to represent you has handled cases like yours and understands Virginia seatbelt laws and other traffic violations.