Public awareness has been raised in recent years about the relationship between seatbelts and surviving serious car crashes. In an attempt to reduce the number of personal injuries and fatalities in Virginia car accidents, Virginia law enforcement and public health officials have focused on the role of seatbelts.

Seatbelt statutes in every state, including Virginia safety belt laws, have become more specific and more strictly enforced. Drivers should review their responsibilities in seatbelt law compliance before a citation is issued or a serious injury occurs.

Virginia Seatbelt Laws for Adults

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, individuals 16 years of age and older who occupy the front seat of a motor vehicle must wear a lap belt and shoulder harness. This applies to cars and trucks in model years 1968 and later.

Adults exempted from Virginia safety belt laws include:

• Law enforcement officers
• Utility meter reader drivers
• Rural mail or news delivery drivers
• Commercial/municipal trash collection drivers
• Taxicab drivers

You may also be exempt with a written doctor’s statement if you have a physical condition that precludes wearing a safety belt. You are required to comply, however, if you are a passenger in the front seat of a Virginia taxi or one of the other vehicles listed above.

If you are cited for not wearing a seatbelt or not ensuring child compliance, legal counsel from a Virginia traffic law attorney or personal injury lawyer may be necessary.

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.