Breaking Down Colorado’s Click It or Ticket Law

From a young age, we are always taught to wear a seat belt when riding in the car. Newer model vehicles even beep at us until all seat belts have been engaged while the car is in motion. While seat belts are proven to save lives, this safety feature can sometimes be overlooked. Because of this, Colorado joined the Click It or Ticket initiative to raise awareness and create a set of laws to enforce the necessity of wearing your seat belt. 

At Mintz Law Firm, we have decades of experience navigating Colorado’s personal injury and traffic laws, including cases that involve violations of the Click It or Ticket law. Our team understands the complexities of these cases and is committed to helping you explore all your legal options. With our client-focused approach, we ensure consistent communication and provide personalized guidance throughout the process.

What Is Colorado’s Click It or Ticket Law?

Click It or Ticket is a national seat belt campaign that Colorado participates in. While you can receive a seat belt violation year-round, there are a few times a year, beginning in April and running through summer, when Colorado law enforcement officers put a focus on seat belt violations. The state law has specific rules for adults, teens, and children. These rules include the following:

• Adults: Drivers over 18 can be ticketed for not wearing a seat belt or if their front-seat passenger is not wearing a seat belt. However, you cannot be pulled over for your seat belt alone; there must be a different violation for the driver to be pulled over for first. This is considered a secondary enforcement law.
• Teens: All drivers under 18 and any of their passengers, regardless of age, are required to wear a seat belt. This is a primary enforcement law, meaning you can be pulled over as a teenager for not wearing your seat belt or having passengers not wearing their seat belts. 
• Children: All children under 16 must wear a seat belt. The driver can receive a ticket for any child under 16 who is not wearing a seat belt or properly restrained in a car seat. 

If you receive a Click It or Ticket violation in Colorado, the minimum fine starts at $65. This minimum fine can increase to $82 if you have a minor in your vehicle who is not wearing a seat belt or is not correctly restrained. If you receive a Click It or Ticket violation, please contact a lawyer to help you navigate your legal rights before paying your fine.

Why Was the Click It or Ticket Law Implemented in Colorado?

Colorado first joined the national Click It or Ticket campaign in 2002, and since then, the use of seat belts has increased from 72% to 88%. In that timeframe, there has been a clear drop in car accident fatalities. Between 2022 and 2023, there were 223 non-seat belt-wearing fatalities in Colorado, an 8% decrease from the previous year. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that wearing a seat belt can lower the risk of death in a car accident by 45% for front-seat passengers in cars and 60% for front-seat passengers in trucks. In 2023, nearly 85% of people who survived a fatal vehicle accident were wearing their seat belts. These statistics show that seat belts are an essential safety measure in reducing the risk of fatality in a car accident.

If you get a Click It or Ticket violation in Colorado, reach out to a personal injury attorney at Mintz Law Firm before paying any fines to explore your legal options.

How Can Mintz Law Firm Help If You Are Facing Seat Belt Violation Charges?

If you’ve received a seat belt violation under Colorado’s Click It or Ticket law, Mintz Law Firm may be able to help. With decades of experience in Colorado traffic law, we can assess the specifics of your case and provide advice on the best course of action. Our team is committed to protecting your rights, whether you face a simple seat belt violation or a more complex situation involving multiple charges.

At Mintz Law Firm, we stand apart by offering personalized attention and a client-centered approach. You’ll work directly with an attorney who can guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring your questions and concerns are addressed. For assistance, contact us today at (303) 462-2999 or through our contact form.