Seat belts save lives. They are the single most effective way to prevent serious injury or death in a traffic crash.
In North Dakota, unbuckled occupants account for a significant portion of road fatalities. In 2024, 48% of people killed in traffic crashes in ND were not wearing a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt keeps you within the vehicle’s protective space, reducing the risk of being thrown inside the cabin or ejected during a crash.
North Dakota enforces a primary seat belt law. This means law enforcement officers can stop and cite a vehicle if they observe an occupant who is not buckled up.
NDCC 39-21-41.4, Safety belts:
- All seating positions (front and back) with a seat belt available
- Penalty $20 (NDCC 39-06.1-06. section 2)
- All occupants in both the front and back seats must wear a seat belt, regardless of age.
- Children under age 8 must ride in an approved child restraint (car seat or booster seat).
- Children under 8 who are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall may transition from a child restraint to a standard seat belt.
While 8 out of 10 North Dakotans buckle up, those who don’t are at a much higher risk. Even at low speeds, physics creates extreme forces; at 30 mph, an unbelted 125-pound person can be thrown forward with several thousand pounds of force.
For maximum crash protection and to avoid injury from the seat belt itself, follow these safety guidelines:
- Shoulder Belt: Should cross the center of your chest and rest on your collarbone (not your neck or face).
- Placement: Never tuck the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.
- Lap Belt: Must sit low across your hips and pelvic bones, not your stomach.
- Posturing: Sit upright with your back against the seat and feet on the floor.
- Fit: Adjust the belt for a snug fit with minimal slack.
Every seat. Every trip. Every time. Buckling up is the simplest way to protect yourself and your passengers.
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