The National Highway Traffic Safety Primary Administration is responsible for reducing motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries on our Nation’s highways. Research has shown that effective State and local traffic safety laws play an important role in helping to reduce motor vehicle crashes. For example, in 2010, States with primary seat belt laws had a 12% higher belt use rate on average compared to States without primary seat belt laws.
This publication provides a summary chart of the key provisions of State occupant protection laws and detailed lists of these laws in every State. Such laws include requiring the use of (1) seat belts, (2) child passenger restraint devices, and (3) motorcycle or bicycle helmets. Also included are laws concerning age restrictions for motorcycle passengers and laws that prohibit riding in the bed of a pickup truck. Except as noted, the status of the State laws reported is as of May 1, 2011.
