Which U.S. state doesn’t require seat belts?

New Hampshire is the only U.S. state that does not require adult drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, as of 2025. The state does, however, mandate seat belts and child restraints for people under 18. Everywhere else in the United States (and Washington, D.C.), adults are required to buckle up, at least in the front seat.

What the law says in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s statute does not impose a seat belt requirement on adults. By contrast, drivers and passengers under 18 must use seat belts or appropriate child safety restraints, and there are specific rules for car seats and booster seats based on age, height, and weight. This framework makes New Hampshire an outlier among U.S. jurisdictions in how it treats seat belt use by adults.

How this compares nationwide

All other states and the District of Columbia require seat belt use for adults, at least in the front seats. Those laws are enforced in two main ways: primary enforcement (police can stop a vehicle solely for a seat belt violation) and secondary enforcement (police can issue a seat belt citation only after stopping a vehicle for another reason). Enforcement type and penalties vary by state, but the obligation to buckle up exists everywhere except New Hampshire.

Key facts at a glance

The following points clarify how New Hampshire’s approach differs from the rest of the country and what rules still apply within the state.

• New Hampshire is the only state without a law requiring adult seat belt use.
• Seat belts and age-appropriate child restraints are required for anyone under 18 in New Hampshire.
• All other states and Washington, D.C., require adults to wear seat belts (at least in front seats), with either primary or secondary enforcement.
• Neighboring states such as Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont require adult seat belt use, so rules change immediately when crossing state lines.

Together, these points underscore that New Hampshire is the outlier for adults, but not for minors—and that drivers should expect different legal obligations as soon as they leave the state.

Why New Hampshire stands apart

Efforts to adopt an adult seat belt mandate in New Hampshire have repeatedly failed, often on civil-liberties grounds tied to the state’s “Live Free or Die” ethos. Lawmakers and advocates have long debated public safety benefits, personal choice, and the role of enforcement. Meanwhile, federal and state safety data consistently show higher seat belt use correlates with lower fatality and serious-injury rates, and New Hampshire’s seat belt usage has historically trailed the national average.

What drivers should know

If you’re traveling in or through New Hampshire, it’s legal for adults not to wear a seat belt—but it’s still strongly recommended for safety. The moment you enter another state, adult seat belt requirements apply, and enforcement can be strict.

The following steps can help you stay compliant and safe on the road.

1. Buckle up anyway: Wearing a seat belt remains the most effective way to reduce fatalities and serious injuries in a crash.
2. Secure kids properly: Ensure anyone under 18 uses a seat belt or the correct child restraint, as required in New Hampshire and beyond.
3. Know the borders: Expect mandatory seat belt laws immediately when crossing into Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, and other states.

Adopting these habits eliminates guesswork across jurisdictions and aligns with best-practice safety guidance, wherever you drive.

Summary

New Hampshire is the only U.S. state that does not require adults to wear seat belts; all other states and Washington, D.C., do. New Hampshire still mandates restraints for those under 18. For safety and simplicity—especially when crossing state lines—buckling up remains the smart choice.

Do you have to wear a seatbelt in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, the law requires that all occupants 8 years of age and older and weighing 80 pounds or more must be properly secured in a seat belt or shoulder harness, and children under 8 must be in an approved child restraint system. This is a primary enforcement law, meaning police can pull over a vehicle solely for a seat belt or car seat violation. The driver is responsible for ensuring all children are properly restrained. 
Who Needs to Be Restrained: 

• Vehicle Operators: Must wear a safety belt.
• Passengers 8 Years and Older: Must wear a safety belt and/or shoulder harness.
• Children Under 8 Years: Must be in a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat or booster seat approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Key Aspects of the Law:

• Primary Enforcement: Police can stop a vehicle if they see a violation of the seat belt or child restraint law. 
• Driver Responsibility: The driver is responsible for making sure children are properly buckled up. 
• Proper Fit: For older children not in car seats, the lap belt should lie snugly across the upper hips, and the shoulder belt across the shoulder and chest. 
• Car Seat Use: Children should remain in a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat until they outgrow the height or weight limits on the car seat’s label. 

What state does not require a seatbelt?

New Hampshire
With the exception of New Hampshire, all states and the District of Columbia require adult front-seat occupants to use seat belts.

Can you be pulled over for no seatbelt in Florida?

Yes, you can be pulled over in Florida for not wearing a seatbelt because it is a primary offense as of June 30, 2009. A police officer can stop you if they observe you or a passenger not wearing a seatbelt, even if no other traffic violation is occurring. The law requires all drivers, front-seat passengers, and all passengers under 18 to wear a seatbelt.
 
Key Points:

• Primary Offense: Not wearing a seatbelt is a primary offense, meaning an officer can pull you over for it alone. 
• Who is Covered: All drivers, front-seat passengers, and passengers under 18 must be buckled up. 
• Driver Responsibility: The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers under 18 are properly restrained. 
• Consequences: You can receive a civil traffic ticket, which includes a fine and potentially points on your license, according to The Ticket Clinic and kemlawfirm.com. 

How it Works:

1. An officer observes a seatbelt violation. 
2. The officer has probable cause to pull you over for this violation. 
3. You may receive a ticket for the infraction, which can then lead to further consequences, such as increased insurance rates. 

How many states in the US have mandatory seat belt laws?

35 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have primary seat belt laws for front seat occupants.