What Is the Colorado Seat Belt Law?

Colorado law states that use of seat belts is mandatory.

Seat belt use is promoted and stressed in many states to cut down on severe injury or death resulting from car accidents. In Colorado, use of the restraining belts is part of state law in section 42-4-237 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.

Definition

Colorado law defines a safety belt system as one in which a lap, shoulder or other belt is "installed in a motor vehicle to restrain drivers and passengers."

Considerations

It is law that drivers and front seat passengers in Colorado must wear a seat belt when traveling on state roads and highways.

Exceptions

Exempted from the Colorado seat belt law are: children in car seats, police officers on duty, disabled or handicapped individuals who are unable to be strapped in and mail delivery persons in rural areas.

Violation

Vehicle operators who drive or allow passengers to ride without using a seat belt can be ticketed and charged with a Class B traffic violation.

Promotion

The Colorado Department of Transportation is required to have an ongoing program to educate the public about the benefits of wearing seat belts.

References

• Michie Legal Resources: Safety Belt Systems