Changes to seatbelt law take place Nov. 1
Effective November 1, 2020, NYS law requires that everyone wear a seatbelt, regardless of age and regardless of where in the motor vehicle they are seated. All vehicles utilized by OPWDD certified or operated programs for the transportation of individuals must have an operating seatbelt for each passenger.
These requirements do not apply to a passenger or operator with a physically disabling condition, whose physical disability would prevent the use of such restraint or safety belt, as long as a physician has stated the nature of the disability and the reason such restraint is inappropriate. Vehicles utilized by OPWDD programs may require special safety equipment, including harnesses, wheelchair securement devices, car seats, or supportive restraints, to meet the safe transport needs of individuals who cannot use a standard seatbelt.
Per NYS law, the backseat seatbelt requirements do not currently apply to school buses, buses, taxis, and liveries.
