How Do Colorado’s Seatbelt Laws Compare to Other States?

In the state of Colorado, wearing a seatbelt while traveling in a car isn’t just a good idea; it’s the law. However, there are stipulations when it comes to being penalized for not wearing a seatbelt, and these laws vary from state to state.

Being Pulled Over For Seatbelt Violations in Colorado

In Colorado, a police officer can write a motorist a ticket for failing to wear a seatbelt or for having a passenger in the front seat without a seatbelt after the driver has already been pulled over for something else. This is known as secondary enforcement.

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However, if an officer notices a child without a seatbelt, this can be reason enough to pull the motorist over to address the situation and write a ticket.

Other states with this special stipulation for secondary enforcement of seatbelt laws include Idaho, North Dakota, Missouri, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Colorado’s Surrounding States + Seatbelt Enforcement

Interestingly, no state that borders Colorado has the exact same manner in which motorists are pulled over for seatbelt violations.

In Utah, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, not wearing a seatbelt can be reason enough to pull a motorist over. This is called primary enforcement.

In Wyoming, Nebraska, and Arizona, a motorist cannot be pulled over for simply not wearing a seatbelt or having a passenger who isn’t wearing their seatbelt, regardless of the passenger’s age.

Read More: Fireworks Restrictions In Colorado: Where Can You Use Them?

Interestingly, the only state that has no enforcement for seatbelt violations for adults is New Hampshire, although primary enforcement exists for minors.