DMV points differ by state. Some states do not have any point system, while many do and assess points for most moving violations. A conviction for a seat belt ticket will be assigned points in some states and not in other states. Because state laws and points schedules vary, you will need to contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to find out if a conviction on a seat belt violation will cause points to be placed on your driving record.
Whether or not you receive points on your driving record might depend on the type of seat belt offense you were cited for. For example, in New York state, if a driver is convicted of a violation where a passenger under age 16 is not wearing a seat belt or in a child safety seat, three points are assigned to the driver’s record. No points are added to the driver’s record if convicted of a seat belt violation involving the driver or a passenger age 16 or older.
Florida is another state where points aren’t added to a driver’s record for a seat belt violation. However, if the ticket was for a child restraint violation, then three points are assigned.
— Michelle Megna contributed to this story.
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