Use of back seat safety belts.

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the use of back seat safety belts

The proposed legislation would create a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of up to $50 for back seat passengers sixteen years or over not using a safety belt and/or for drivers who fail to ensure safety belt use of their back seat passengers sixteen years or over, other than those drivers transporting passengers for hire pursuant to a Taxi and Limousine Commission license. The proposed legislation would exempt buses, including school buses, and authorized emergency vehicles, mirroring provisions in State law. It would also exempt passengers with a physically disabling condition duly certified by a physician that would prevent safety belt use, and provide an affirmative defense for passengers of for hire vehicles that the vehicle in which they are a traveling lacks a visible, accessible, and working back seat safety belt.