PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
What is the seat belt law in California?
I just moved from New Hampshire to California—and I’m a little confused about the seat belt laws. It seems like they’re really strict here. Is that true?
Olivia Rose · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Wow, that’s a big move—we hope you’re enjoying the new scenery!
The seat belt law in California states that all drivers and passengers must wear a fastened seat belt—unless the passenger is a small child using a car seat, in which case they must be securely restrained and in a properly fitting car seat.
But who’s liable for violating the law? If a parent is present in the car—as a driver or passenger—they are required to ensure children under 16 in the car have fastened seat belts, and they may face a big fine ($490) for each violation. If a parent isn’t present, the driver is liable for ensuring passengers under 16 have their seat belts fastened.
Once you are 16, though, you are responsible for ensuring you have your seat belt fastened when in a moving vehicle, and are subject to the $162+ fine if you do not.
In general, there is no good reason not to wear a seat belt when you are riding in or driving a car. So buckle up, always!
One aspect of safe car ownership is keeping yourself financially protected—and that comes with good
car insurance
. But drivers in California will know that the cost of California car insurance
can be high—and that’s where Jerry
can save the day.Jerry is a car insurance comparison app that lets you shop from personalized, accurate quotes for free. At the end of the day, it means finding an affordable and competitive policy with great coverage, all in less than a few minutes.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies