A new state seatbelt law affecting all car and truck passengers ages 16 and over will go into effect on Sunday. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation in August instituting this new rule, which applies even if someone is sitting in the back seat. Formerly, only front-seat passengers were required to buckle up.
Violations will result in a fine of up to $50 for the driver, plus points against his or her license, per unbuckled passenger. The penalty used to be $100, plus points against a license, if a front-seat passenger was under 16.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 47 percent of people killed in car crashes in 2017 were not wearing seatbelts.
"Traffic accident data and physical injuries sustained during accidents indicate this law will help protect the public and save lives," East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo said by email on Tuesday. "We will enforce [it] the same as we currently enforce the seatbelt laws during routine traffic stops."
The state's first mandatory seatbelt law was signed into law 36 years ago, in 1984, by then-Gov. Mario Cuomo, the father of the present governor. Andrew Cuomo said recently that the new legislation builds upon his father's legacy.
