Seat Belt Safety

The District has the strongest, most comprehensive seat belt law in the nation. Enacted in 1997, injuries have been prevented, and lives saved.

• DC law allows police to stop a vehicle solely because its driver and/or passengers are not properly buckled up.
• It's a $50 fine and 2 points for not having your seat belt buckled at all times - for drivers and all passengers, front and back seats.
• Drivers are responsible for seat belt compliance for all passengers.
• All children under 8 must be properly seated in an infant, toddler or booster seat. Eight- to 16-year-olds must be secured with a safety belt.
• Drivers who fail to properly secure their child face a $75 fine and 2 points for a first offense, and up to $150 fine for subsequent offenses.
• DC participates in the national Click or Ticket seat belt usage awareness campaign. Click It or Ticket is national seat belt campaign including high visibility enforcement with paid and earned media.

A seat belt can be the most significant action you can take to protect your life and those you care about. Buckling up dramatically increases your chance of surviving a crash, and it's your best weapon against a drunk, tired, distracted, or aggressive driver.

Wear your seat belt in DC. Day and night. Every trip. Every time.

Find out more about DC's Child Restraint law.

Find out more about Click It or Ticket in DC.