Seatbelts are a critical safety feature that significantly reduce injuries and save thousands of lives each year. In Kansas, all motorists and passengers should buckle up, regardless of their seating position or age. Younger children must use appropriate car or booster seats.
At Pottroff & Karlin, LLC, we understand Kansas seatbelt laws and how they may affect your car accident case. If you’ve been injured in a crash, contact us for legal guidance.
Kansas Seatbelt Laws: Who Must Buckle Up?
General Rule: Everyone Should Wear a Seatbelt
Kansas law (KSA § 8-2503) requires:
- All drivers and front-seat passengers aged 18 and older to wear a seatbelt whenever the vehicle is in motion.
- Passengers aged 14-17 to buckle up in any seat.
For younger children, different regulations apply.
Seatbelt & Child Safety Seat Requirements
Kansas law (KSA § 8-1344) outlines seatbelt and child restraint requirements based on age and size:
- Children under 4 must be in a federally approved child safety seat.
- Children aged 4-7 who weigh less than 80 pounds or are under 4’9” tall must use a booster seat.
- Children 8-13, or those who exceed 80 pounds or 4’9” in height, must wear a seatbelt.
Exceptions to Kansas Seatbelt Laws
Certain individuals are exempt from wearing a seatbelt, including:
- Passengers with a medical exemption (must have written documentation from a doctor).
- Newspaper delivery drivers actively delivering papers.
- U.S. postal workers while on duty.
Does Not Wearing a Seatbelt Affect Your Personal Injury Case?
Kansas follows a comparative negligence system, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you were partially responsible for your injuries. However, failure to wear a seatbelt is not considered negligence under KSA § 8-2504. This means:
- Insurance companies cannot argue that your lack of a seatbelt contributed to your injuries when determining fault.
- Your settlement will not be reduced simply because you weren’t wearing a seatbelt.
Need Legal Help? Call Pottroff & Karlin, LLC Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t let insurance adjusters minimize your claim. At Pottroff & Karlin, LLC, we fight for accident victims to secure the maximum compensation they deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.
