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Seat Belts Tickets: Officer Observation and Testimony is Enough

by Seth Azria on 1/02/2024

To be pulled over, it is enough for a police officer to observe the driver or passenger not wearing a seat belt. People v. Smith, 158 A.D.3d 1081 (4th Dep't 2018).

To be convicted of the seat belt charge, it is enough for the officer to testify that he saw the driver or passenger fail to wear a seat belt. Of, course the driver will testify that he was wearing a seat belt. This creates and issue of credibility for the judge to decide. In Whitten the judge decided in officer’s favor and convicted the driver. Whitten v. Martinez, 24 A.D.3d 285 (1st Dep't 2005).

However, a person wearing belt, under the arm rather than over the shoulder is "restrained" and therefore permissible within the meaning of the law. People v. Locke, 1 Misc. 3d 482, 765 N.Y.S.2d 468 (City Ct. 2003).

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I am an attorney working in the lower Hudson Valley. I had an unfortunate brush with the law on my birthday of all days! which resulted in my receipt of a speeding ticket en-route to a wedding in Buffalo. I'd never had any other infractions on my record and this offense is certainly not an area in which I specialize. I was very upset and worried but immediately upon calling Mr. Azria all of my fears and concerns melted away. Mr. Azria was able to plead my ticket down to a minor violation with no points and a small fee to the Court. Mr. Azria was quick, efficient and responsive. I never had a moment of worry that my case was being neglected. Mr. Azria and his team answered any questions that I had and kept me informed throughout the process. I could not have asked for a better team in my corner and you can't beat the price. You would have thought that I spent a small fortune for the quality of service that I received. Take it from me, Mr. Azria is the attorney you want representing you.

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