Seatbelts in RVs: The Legislation in Each of the 50 States

Seatbelts in RVs: The Legislation in Each of the 50 States

Before you travel anyplace in your RV, you must be aware of and comply with all seatbelt laws. Some jurisdictions require only the front seat passengers to wear seatbelts, while others may require all passengers to buckle up! Check out the legislation for all of the states you’ll be traveling through below to prevent getting any expensive tickets.

The following are the motorhome seatbelt laws for each state in the United States:

State	Seatbelt Law	Enforcement	Fine
AL	Front Seat Occupants	Primary	$25
AK	All Occupants	Primary	$15
AZ	Front Seat Occupants and Children 5 – 15	Secondary	$10
AR	Front Seat Occupants	Primary	$25
CA	All Occupants	Primary	$20
CO	All Occupants	Secondary (Primary for Occupants under 18)	$15
CT	Front Seat Occupants and Children 4 – 16	Primary	$37
DE	All Occupants	Primary	$25
FL	Front Seat Occupants and Children 6 – 17	Primary	$30
GA	All Occupants	Primary	$15
HI	Front Seat Occupants and Children 4 – 17	Primary	$45
ID	All Occupants	Secondary (Primary for Drivers under 18)	$10
IL	Front Seat Occupants and Children 8 – 15	Primary	$25
IN	Front Seat Occupants and Children 4 – 11	Primary	$25
IA	All Occupants	Primary	$25
KS	Front Seat Occupants and Children 4 – 14	Primary	$10
KY	All Occupants	Primary	$25
LA	Front Seat Occupants and Children 6 – 12	Primary	$25 – $50
ME	All Occupants	Primary	$25 – $50
MD	Front Seat Occupants	Primary	$25
MA	All Occupants	Secondary	$25
MI	Front Seat Occupants and Children 4 – 15	Primary	$25
MN	Front Seat Occupants and Children 4 – 10	Primary	$25
MS	Front Seat Occupants and Children 4 – 10	Primary	$25
MO	Front Seat Occupants and Children 4 – 15	Secondary (Primary for Occupants under 17)	$10
MT	All Occupants	Secondary	$20
NE	Front Seat Occupants and Children 4 – 18	Secondary	$25
NV	All Occupants	Secondary	$25
NH	All Occupants	n/a	$25
NJ	Front Seat Occupants and Children 8 – 17	Primary	$42
NM	All Occupants	Primary	$25+
NY	Front Seat Occupants Children 15 and Under	Primary	$50+
NC	Front Seat Occupants Children 15 and Under	Primary	$25
ND	Front Seat Occupants and Children 7 – 17	Secondary	$20
OH	Front Seat Occupants	Secondary	$20
OK	Front Seat Occupants and Children 6 – 12	Primary	$20
OR	All Occupants	Primary	$94
PA	Front Seat Occupants and Children 8 – 17	Secondary (Primary for Occupants 18 and under)	$10
RI	All Occupants	Primary	$75
SC	All Occupants	Primary	$10
SD	Front Seat Occupants Children 18 and Under	Secondary (Primary for Occupants under 18)	$20
TN	Front Seat Occupants Children 16 and Under	Primary	$10 – $20
TX	Front Seat Occupants Children 17 and Under	Primary	$25 – $200
UT	All Occupants	Primary	$15 – $45
VT	All Occupants	Secondary	$10
VA	Front Seat Occupants Children 16 and Under	Secondary	$25
WA	All Occupants	Primary	$101
WV	Front Seat Occupants Children 17 and Under	Primary	$25
WI	Front Seat Occupants and Children 4 – 15	Primary	$10
WY	All Occupants	Secondary	$10 – $25

Data for this table is collected from camperguide.org

The information in this table was gathered from camperguide.org.

It can be difficult to remember which areas require everyone to buckle up and which do not. The rules differ from state to state, so be sure you’re following the rules when you cross state lines.

All 50 States’ Motorhome Seatbelt Laws

If you are traveling with a large party, it might be difficult to ensure that everyone remains buckled, especially if you are the one driving. The last thing that you are going to want is a ticket because someone was messing around in the back.

Of course, it is ideal to have everyone wear seatbelts, but occasionally this cannot be achieved, and you cannot force people to buckle up.

Seatbelt laws include a few exceptions. The medical exemption is the one that applies to motorhomes the most. In this scenario, a doctor’s note or certificate is required for this exemption to get a passenger out of a ticket.

Consider this list to be your best friend as you travel throughout the country. Below are the statutes for all 50 states, as well as DC and US territories. These laws only apply to driveable RVs and do not apply to trailers, which are subject to quite different rules.

The information from this post has been gathered from state laws and from the website of camperguide.org

PRIMARY VS. SECONDARY ENFORCEMENT

When reading this list below, you should know that what primary vs secondary enforcement means. When a law is under primary enforcement, it implies that you can be pulled over and given a ticket if an officer observes you in violation.

When a law is under secondary enforcement, an officer must pull you over for violating another law. Hence, if you are not wearing a seatbelt in a state that uses secondary enforcement, you cannot be pulled over unless you are in violation of another law.

Alabama

Seatbelts are required for the driver and front seat passenger in Alabama. This means that the rest of the passengers in the motorhome are not required to wear seat belts. This is a primary enforcement in this state, and a small fine of $25 is imposed if the people in the front seats are not buckled up.

In Alabama, there may be some exceptions to the seatbelt law. Exemptions include backing up a motorhome or medical reasons. Remember to bring your doctor’s certificate with you on any trips.

You can also avoid a ticket if your motorhome was built before 1965, when seatbelts were not standard.

This law exempts mail delivery vehicles and vehicles with 11 or more passengers.

Alaska

When it comes to seatbelt laws, Alaska is a little strict. All RV passengers in the motorhome must wear seat belts. If a police officer observes anyone inside the vehicle without a seatbelt, a $15 fine may be imposed because this law is strictly enforced.

There are, of course, some exceptions to this rule. Medical reasons, school buses, and vehicles without seat belts are among the reasons given.

So, if there are no seatbelts in the motorhome, no one can be prosecuted in Alaska for violating this law. Of course, this is risky given Alaska’s harsh weather, poor road conditions, and roaming wildlife.

Seatbelts must be worn if they are available, so make sure everyone clicks it before you pay for a ticket.

Arizona

Arizona’s motorhome laws are a little less black and white than some of the others. According to current laws, only people in the front seats, as well as children aged 5 to 15, must be buckled up, even if they are in the back of the vehicle.

Arizona’s laws are designed to keep children safe while traveling. To ensure their safety, these children must wear seatbelts, and proper car seats for young children are recommended.

In Arizona, this is considered secondary enforcement, but if you are pulled over for another reason, a $15 fine can be imposed for those who fail to wear their seatbelts.

Medical reasons, mail delivery, 11+ passenger vehicles, and motorhomes model year 1971 or older are all exempt.

Arkansas

Only the people in the front seats of a motorhome in Arkansas are required to wear seatbelts. Rear-seat passengers are exempt from wearing seat belts.

This law is strictly enforced in Arkansas, so make sure the driver and front seat passenger are properly restrained so that no tickets are issued. The penalty for breaking this law is $25.

Medical reasons, rural delivery, buses (school, church, and public), and model years prior to 1968 are all exempt from this law.

The model years for these motorhome exemptions vary by state, so make a list or write it down if you have an older motorhome.

California

When driving through California, all passengers must wear seat belts. Most people reading this list are probably not surprised that California has this law.

A cop can pull you over if he notices any passenger not wearing a seatbelt in the motorhome while it is moving, so make sure everyone is restrained.

Each infraction carries a fine of $20.

There are no exceptions for older vehicles. In California, the only thing that can get you out of a ticket is a medical reason. Other exemptions do not apply to motorhomes.

If you’re driving through California and don’t have seatbelts for everyone, plan on having some installed to keep everyone safe and out of trouble.

Colorado

Colorado’s motorhome seatbelt laws are very similar to those in California. The only difference is that in this state, secondary enforcement rules only apply to those over the age of 18.

Seatbelts are required for all passengers. A $15 fine is imposed for violations. Minors are subject to primary law enforcement (under age of 18). If you have a child in the front seat, make sure he or she is wearing a seatbelt, or a Colorado officer may pull your RV over.

Medical reasons, delivery/pickup services, ambulances, farm tractors, buses, and vehicles not required to have belts are all exempt from this law.

Basically, unless someone has a medical condition that makes wearing a seatbelt dangerous, make sure the belt is buckled.

Connecticut

At $37 per ticket, Connecticut is one of the more expensive states for violating its seatbelt law. So make sure you follow the rules of the road while driving through this state.

What are the rules? Okay, so the driver and front seat passenger, as well as any children aged four to sixteen, must wear seatbelts.

If a police officer notices you or your passenger not wearing seatbelts, you may be pulled over. To avoid a ticket, make sure that all children are belted in.

The only motorhome-related exemptions in Connecticut are for medical reasons and vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

Delaware

Delaware is another small state where it may be tempting to forego wearing seatbelts, but don’t. In Delaware, all passengers in the motorhome must wear seatbelts or face a $25 fine.

If you are pulled over, there is a medical exemption, as well as off-road vehicles. Aside from that, there is no getting out of a ticket.

Delaware’s seatbelt law is being strictly enforced. The rules for this state are fairly simple to remember. Just remember that in this state, everyone in the motorhome must wear seatbelts — “DelaWEAR your seatbelt!”

Florida

Seatbelts are required in Florida for all passengers in the front seat, as well as for all children aged 6 to 17. If you do not, you may be pulled over and fined $30.

Just because it states that children as young as six should be buckled does not mean that all younger children are free to run around. To keep them safe, they should be seated in car seats. You might not get a ticket if they aren’t, but it’s too risky.

There are a few relevant exemptions for motorhome seatbelts. The typical medical reason applies here, as well as those in the living space of RV’s, and trucks that are more 5,000 lbs.

Georgia

While traveling in a motorhome in Georgia, all passengers must wear a seatbelt.

This state’s seatbelt law is being strictly enforced. If you are stopped for this offense, you may be fined $15.

Vehicles with more than ten passengers, vehicles in reverse, and motorhomes older than the model year 1965 are exempt from this law.

Hawaii

Another place where you’ll want to make sure you follow the rules is Hawaii. It costs $45 to break it.

The people in the front seats, as well as any children aged 4 to 17, must wear seatbelts.

Exemptions in this state include, of course, medical reasons, buses weighing more than 10,000 pounds, and vehicles not required to have seat belts.

Because the fine for a violation is high, everyone should buckle up. Because this state isn’t just a place you drive through on your way somewhere else, remembering the rules should be easier.

Idaho

Idaho’s laws, like those of Colorado and many other states, require all passengers to wear seatbelts. It is also comparable in that it is only a secondary enforcement for people over the age of 18.

If the driver is under the age of 18, however, it is considered primary enforcement.

In Idaho, breaking the law results in a small $10 fine. Medical reasons, a vehicle weighing more than 8,000 pounds, or all seatbelts are being used and there are insufficient.

Illinois

In the state of Illinois, the driver and front seat passengers, as well as children aged 8 to 15, are required to wear seatbelts.

Medical reasons, vehicles not required to have belts, and a motorhome backing up are all exceptions.

If a police officer observes you breaking the law, you may be pulled over and given a ticket. Each violation can result in a fine of up to $25.

Indiana

Seatbelts are required for the occupants of the front seats of motorhomes in Indiana.

Those in the motorhome’s living area are not required to be buckled, at least in the eyes of the law. In this state, a violation is punishable by a $25 fine.

A medical reason is the only exception to the rule.

Remember that for all medical exemptions, a doctor must sign off on a certificate for it to be valid.

It is primary enforcement in this state, so remember to buckle up.

Iowa

In Iowa, all passengers in a motorhome must wear seatbelts while the vehicle is in motion.

There aren’t many options either. Exemptions are only granted for medical reasons. If you are observed driving without a seatbelt, you may be pulled over because Iowa has primary enforcement for the seatbelt law.

If you are pulled over, you may be fined $25.

Kansas

Children ages 4 to 14 and occupants in the front of the cabin must be buckled up while driving through Kansas.

This law carries a $10 fine, which is small in comparison to some of the others. Exemptions include medical reasons, vehicles weighing more than 16,000 pounds, vehicles with 11 or more occupants, and off-road vehicles.

Seatbelts are strictly enforced in this state.

Kentucky

All passengers in a motorhome in this state must wear seatbelts unless there are medical reasons, the vehicle has more than ten passengers, or the model year is before 1965.

In Kentucky, it is the primary enforcer of this law. A violation of the law costs $25 in fines.

Louisiana

In this state, the rules are difficult to remember. It is primary enforcement, and passengers in the front and children ages 6 to 12 in the back must wear seat belts.

A violation can result in a fine ranging from $25 to $50. Of course, as in all states, medical reasons can get you out of a ticket. Other exemptions include motorhomes built before 1980 and vehicles seating more than ten people.

As I previously stated, remembering this one can be difficult. It might be simpler to have everyone click-it so you don’t get a $50 ticket.

Maine

In Maine, the fine for violating the seatbelt law ranges from $25 to $50. However, keep in mind that every passenger in the motorhome must wear a restraint.

Medical reasons and vehicles built without seat belts are the only ways to avoid this strictly enforced law.

Maryland

Only the driver and front-seat passenger in Maryland need to be concerned about being buckled up.

Maryland uses primary enforcement to enforce this law. If you are pulled over, medical reasons and antique vehicles can help you avoid a ticket.

If you are unable to contest your ticket, you will be fined $25 for each violation.

Massachusetts

When traveling through Massachusetts, all occupants in the motorhome must wear seatbelts.

Although you cannot be pulled over if a police officer observes you driving without a seatbelt because this is a secondary enforcement law. A $25 ticket can be issued in addition to whatever prompted the officer to pull you over in the first place.

Exemptions in this state are medical reasons and vehicles more than 18,000 lbs. In other words, it’s preferable if everyone wears their restraints.

Michigan

Children aged 4 to 15 and those sitting in the front of the motorhome must wear seat belts. This law prioritizes enforcement, so if a cop notices you driving without a belt, you may be pulled over.

The penalty is $25. Exemptions in this state include medical reasons, vehicles not required to have belts, and motorhomes manufactured before 1965.

Minnesota

When it comes to motorhomes, Minnesota law states that only people sitting in the front of the cab, as well as children ages 4 to 10, must wear seatbelts.

This law is being strictly enforced, and the fine for violating it is $25 per violation.

In this state, there are a few exemptions to the seatbelt law that apply to motorhomes. One reason is medical, and the others are vehicles with a model year prior to 1965, vehicles traveling less than 25 mph, and vehicles in reverse.

This may make it a bit hard to remember but it’s also a good know if a police officer is trying to hand you a fine.

Mississippi

Mississippi’s laws are nearly identical to Minnesota’s. Seatbelts are required for passengers in the front and children aged 4 to 10 in a moving motorhome.

A ticket for breaking this law will be $25, and it will be enforced by primary enforcement as well.

This state has different exemptions. There are three of them: medical reasons, vehicles carrying more than 15 passengers, and trailers. Only if someone has a medical reason to not wear a seatbelt will this usually apply to the average motorhome.

Missouri

Missouri’s seatbelt laws are not as stringent as those in other states. Children aged 4 to 15 must be buckled, as must those sitting in the front of the motorhome.

This law is usually enforced secondarily, unless there is a 16-year-old or younger occupant, in which case it is considered primary enforcement.

Exemptions include medical reasons, the use of all belts, a vehicle designed for more than ten people, or a model year prior to 1968. The penalty for breaking the law is $10.

Montana

In Montana, all passengers in a motorhome must wear seatbelts. Although this law is only enforced on a secondary basis, it’s a good idea to make sure everyone is buckled up just in case.

A $20 fine is imposed for an infraction. Except for medical reasons or when all seatbelts are already in use, there are few exceptions. Montana is another state with a lot of wildlife, so everyone should be cautious in any case.

Nebraska

Seatbelts are required for all occupants in the front seats, including children aged 4 to 18.

This law is enforced secondary, and there is a $25 fine in addition to whatever else the motorhome was stopped for in the first place. It may be more difficult to get in trouble for this offense, but it will undoubtedly be a costly conversation with the police officer if this law is not followed.

There are some exceptions, primarily for medical reasons and vehicles manufactured before 1973.

Nevada

Secondary enforcement is also available in Nevada for the seat belt law. According to state law, all passengers must be buckled up. If you do not, you may be fined $25.

Exemptions for the state of Nevada include medical reasons, vehicles not required to have belts, and vehicles traveling less than 15 mph.

New Hampshire

Seatbelts are required for all passengers inside the motorhome in the small state of New Hampshire.

There is no information on whether this law is being enforced primary or secondary. Just make sure everyone is buckled up and safe. The penalty for violating the law is $25.

Vehicles manufactured prior to 1968 are the only exception.

New Jersey

If you’re driving a motorhome in New Jersey, make sure everyone in the front seat, including children aged 8 to 17, is wearing a seatbelt.

The fine for breaking this primary enforced law is $42, which is quite high.

Exemptions include medical reasons, vehicles manufactured prior to the model year 1966, and vehicles that are not required to have seat belts.

New Mexico

Seatbelts are required for all passengers in New Mexico, regardless of age or position. The only exceptions are for medical reasons or vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

This law is subject to primary enforcement and can result in a fine of at least $25.

In a state that demands so much of its drivers, wearing seatbelts is a great idea. They take safety very seriously in this region.

New York City

In New York, the fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $50 or more. It is subject to primary enforcement, so it is critical to follow the rules, which are as follows:

Seatbelts are required for front seat occupants and children 15 and under. This state’s exemptions are only for medical reasons, at least when it comes to motorhomes.

North Carolina

Seatbelts are required for people sitting in the front and children 15 and younger in North Carolina under primary enforcement.

The penalty for violating this law is $25. Medical reasons, vehicles traveling less than 20 mph, and vehicles seating more than 11 people are exceptions to the rules.

North Dakota

People in the front and children aged 7 to 17 must be buckled up in North Dakota or face a $20 fine. This law, however, is subject to secondary enforcement.

Exemptions include medical reasons, vehicles seating 11 or more people, and use of all seatbelts.

Ohio

When it comes to seatbelt laws, Ohio is a pretty lax state. Only the people in the front seats of a motorhome need to be buckled. This law is also being enforced secondary.

Only those with medical reasons are granted exemptions. If you do get a ticket, it will cost you $25.

Oklahoma

Seatbelts are required in Oklahoma for children ages 6 to 12, as well as front seat occupants. These laws are primarily enforced as well.

Unless there is a medical exemption, breaking this law will cost you $20.

Oregon

Seatbelt laws in Oregon are fairly straightforward. Seatbelts must be worn by everyone in the motorhome. This law is being enforced aggressively.

The fine here is extremely high, $94, so it’s critical to exercise caution.

When it comes to this law, there are some exceptions for motorhomes. Medical reasons, all seatbelts already in use, vehicles designed for more than 15 passengers, and vehicles not required to have seatbelts are all exceptions to the rule.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is another state that does secondary enforcement for everyone except those under the age of 18. So it can be really tricky for drivers as well as law enforcement.

Seatbelts are required for passengers in the front and children aged 8 to 17. The fine for an infraction is only $10, which is significantly less than the $94 fine in Oregon.

Exemptions from wearing seatbelts include medical reasons and motorhomes manufactured prior to the 1966 model year.

Rhode Island

If you’re driving a motorhome through Rhode Island, make sure all passengers are wearing seatbelts. If an officer observes someone breaking the law, you may be pulled over.

A ticket here is expensive, costing $75 for the violation.

There are a few exceptions, including medical reasons, motorhomes manufactured before 1966, and vehicles not required to have seat belts.

South Carolina

Seatbelt laws in South Carolina are fairly straightforward; simply have everyone buckled up or face a $10 fine.

This law is primarily enforced in South Carolina, and exemptions include all belts worn, vehicles designed for 11 or more people, and, of course, medical reasons.

South Dakota

In a motorhome, front seat occupants and children under the age of 18 must wear seatbelts.

All adults face secondary enforcement, while those under the age of 18 face primary enforcement. In both cases, the cost of the ticket in South Dakota is $20.

Exemptions are granted for medical reasons, vehicles older than 1973, and vehicles not required to have seat belts.

Tennessee

The state of Tennessee only requires those who are sitting in the front and children 16 and under to wear seatbelts while riding in a motorhome. This law is being enforced aggressively.

The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is between $10 and $20.

Exemptions include medical reasons, vehicles weighing more than 8,500 pounds, and vehicles not required to use seat belts.

Texas

Seatbelts are required for children 17 and under, as well as those sitting in the front of a motorhome. There are a few exceptions, such as medical reasons and vehicles carrying more than ten people.

Because this is a primary enforcement law, a ticket may be issued if a police officer observes anyone in the front without a belt. The fine can range between $25 and $200.

It is best to ensure that all children, as well as anyone riding shotgun, are properly restrained.

Utah

If you’re driving in Utah, make sure everyone in your car is wearing a seatbelt, as this is a primary enforced law. The penalty for disobeying is between $15 and $45.

There are only a few exceptions, including medical reasons, the use of all belts, and model years prior to 1966 for motorhomes.

If you’ve ever driven in Utah, you should be wearing a seatbelt in any case.

Vermont

In Vermont, everyone in a moving motorhome must wear a seatbelt. However, because this law is under secondary enforcement, being pulled over is not as dangerous.

The fee is also only $10. If you are pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt, the only way to avoid a ticket is to have a medical reason (with proper documentation from a doctor).

Virginia

Virginia also has secondary enforcement for seatbelt laws.

Children 16 and under, as well as front seat occupants, are required by law to wear a seatbelt. The fine will be $25.

If you are pulled over, you should be aware of the exemptions. For motorhomes, it’s primarily for medical reasons, as well as vehicles that seat more than ten people.

Washington

Wear seatbelts if you’re traveling through Washington state. It’s a primary enforcement issue here, and the penalty is too high to take.

The cost of the ticket is $101. This is a significant sum, and it is not worth it when avoiding the fine is as simple as fastening your seatbelt.

There are some exceptions, such as medical reasons, the use of all belts, and vehicles seating more than ten people.

West Virginia

West Virginia has almost no exemptions to ensure that passengers are properly secured. The only exceptions are vehicles designed for 20 or more people, so no motorhome applies.

Seat belts are required for front seat occupants and children 17 and under.

It costs $25 to be pulled over for this primary enforcement violation.

Wisconsin

Seatbelts are required in the front seat in the state of Wisconsin. Children aged 4 to 15 must also be buckled.

This law is under primary enforcement, and the fine is only $10. After reading about the high fines for not wearing a seatbelt in some states, this is a welcome relief.

Exemptions in Wisconsin include vehicles that are not required to have seat belts and medical reasons.

Wyoming

Wyoming law requires all passengers in a motorhome to wear seatbelts. The only exceptions are for medical reasons or if all belts are already in use.

Secondary enforcement makes being caught not wearing a seatbelt a little more difficult, but this is another state where I strongly advise everyone to buckle up. Most of the time while driving here, there are strong winds. It’s also the law.

A violation costs between $10 and $25 in fines.

FAQ’s

Is it necessary to wear a seatbelt in a motorhome? Seatbelt laws differ from one state to the next. In a motorhome, all states require at least those in the front seats to wear seatbelts. Some states require all occupants, or children of a certain age, to wear seat belts.

Can a motorhome transport passengers? Passengers are permitted in a motorhome. Many older motorhomes lack seat belts for all occupants. Seat belt laws in each state also apply to these older motorhomes. Examine the state exemptions to see if it is permissible to have passengers who are not buckled.

You might also want to read these RV Camping Tips and Guides: