Seat belts save lives.
They are the single most effective way to prevent serious injury or death in a traffic crash.
In North Dakota, more people die in crashes because they are not wearing a seat belt than from almost any other factor. In 2024, 48% of people killed in traffic crashes were not buckled.
Wearing a seat belt keeps you in the vehicle’s protective space and reduces the chance of being thrown around inside the vehicle or ejected. It also helps drivers stay in position to maintain control during a sudden stop or crash.
Primary Seat Belt Law
North Dakota has a primary seat belt law, meaning law enforcement can stop a vehicle if someone is not buckled.
All front seat and back seat occupants must wear a seat belt, regardless of age.
Children younger than 8 must ride in a child restraint, such as a car seat or booster seat.
A seat belt may be used instead of a child restraint for children under 8 who are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Seat belt use in North Dakota
Most people in North Dakota buckle up. Observational surveys show that about 8 out of every 10 people wear a seat belt. However, those who don’t are much more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash.
Even at lower speeds, crashes involve extreme forces. At 30 miles per hour, a person who weighs 125 pounds can be thrown forward with the force of several thousand pounds if they are not wearing a seat belt.
Wear your seat belt the right way
For the best protection:
- The shoulder belt should cross the center of your chest and rest on your collarbone, not your neck or face.
- Never tuck the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.
- The lap belt should sit low across your hips, not your stomach.
- Sit upright with your back against the seat and your feet on the floor.
- Adjust the belt for a snug fit with minimal slack.
Every seat. Every trip. Every time. Buckling up is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and the people you care about.
Resources
For seat belt flyers, fact sheets or other materials, please contact us.