Seat belt tickets in Missouri: $10, no points, no court costs

Who has to wear a seat belt?

Under RSMo 307.178:

• The driver and front seat passenger of a passenger car
• Anyone under 18 driving or riding in a truck

A passenger car is a vehicle designed to carry ten people or fewer. Trucks licensed at 12,000 pounds or more and motorcycles aren't included.

What is the penalty?

An infraction with "a fine not to exceed ten dollars." The law goes on: "no court costs shall be imposed," and "in no case shall points be assessed."

Can I be pulled over for not wearing one?

Not for that alone. The statute says "no person shall be stopped, inspected, or detained solely to determine compliance." It also says noncompliance isn't probable cause for any other violation.

Who is exempt?

• People with a medical reason
• People in a vehicle being used for agricultural work
• Postal Service employees servicing boxes or making frequent stops

What about children?

The driver has to secure any child under 16 in the proper restraint under RSMo 307.179. The municipal fine schedule lists these:

Violation	Fine
Child under 8 not in a child restraint or booster	$49.50
Child 80 pounds or more, or over 4 feet 9 inches, not in a booster or belt	$10

Does not wearing a belt affect a crash claim?

It can, a little. It isn't evidence of comparative negligence. With expert evidence that it contributed to the injuries, it can reduce a recovery by no more than 1 percent.

Do I need a course for this?

No. There are no points. Pay the $10.