Seat Belt Ticket Attorney
Serving Wyoming & South Dakota
Getting pulled over for a seat belt violation may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can still lead to fines, increased insurance rates, and points on your driving record. Whether you were cited in Wyoming or South Dakota, understanding your rights and the laws surrounding seat belt use is essential. At Just Criminal Law, our Gillette seat belt ticket lawyer helps clients in both states navigate these citations and minimize their impact.
We know that even a small ticket can have bigger consequences—especially for commercial drivers, out-of-state motorists, or anyone trying to keep their record clean. Our legal team can help you understand your options and fight your citation effectively.
Contact us today at for a personalized consultation.
Wyoming Seat Belt Law & Penalties
Wyoming law requires all drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts while a vehicle is in motion. Additionally, all passengers under 9 years old must be properly secured in a federally approved child safety restraint system that’s appropriate for their height and weight.
Primary vs. Secondary Enforcement
Wyoming enforces its seat belt law as a secondary offense, which means an officer cannot stop you solely for not wearing a seat belt. However, if you are pulled over for another traffic violation—such as speeding or running a red light—and the officer notices that you or a passenger are not buckled up, you can receive an additional citation for the seat belt infraction.
Penalties for Seat Belt Violations in Wyoming
Fine: Typically, the fine for not wearing a seat belt in Wyoming is $25 for the driver and $10 for each unbelted passenger.
- Child Restraint Violation: Failing to secure a child properly can result in fines up to $60.
- No Points on License: Wyoming does not assess points on your driver’s license for a seat belt violation.
- Insurance Impact: While no points are added, insurance companies may still view the citation as a sign of unsafe driving behavior.
Even though the penalties may appear minor, paying the fine without contesting the citation can be seen as an admission of guilt. If you were wrongly cited—for instance, if you were wearing your seat belt properly—our Wyoming seat belt ticket lawyer from Just Criminal Law can help challenge the ticket and protect your record.
South Dakota Seat Belt Law & Penalties
In South Dakota, the seat belt law applies to all drivers and front-seat passengers, while minors must be properly restrained in accordance with child safety seat regulations.
Primary Enforcement for Drivers and Front-Seat Passengers
Unlike Wyoming, South Dakota has a primary seat belt law for front-seat occupants. This means that law enforcement officers can stop and ticket a driver solely for not wearing a seat belt. This difference is important for anyone traveling across state lines, as enforcement rules change once you cross the border.
Penalties for Seat Belt Violations in South Dakota
- Fine: The standard fine for a seat belt violation in South Dakota is $25.
- Child Safety Restraint Violations: If a child under the age of 5 (or under 40 pounds) is not in a proper car seat, the fine can be higher and may include additional penalties.
- No Points on License: Like Wyoming, South Dakota does not assess points for seat belt citations.
- Insurance Consequences: Some insurance carriers may raise premiums or consider the violation when assessing risk.
Even though a seat belt ticket in South Dakota carries a relatively small fine, it can still create issues—especially for commercial drivers or those with multiple prior offenses. Our South Dakota seat belt ticket lawyer can evaluate whether your stop was lawful, determine if proper procedures were followed, and help you pursue a dismissal or reduction of the ticket.
Why Hire a Gillette Seat Belt Ticket Lawyer?
Many drivers assume it’s easier to just pay the fine and move on. However, in some cases, paying the ticket can have lasting consequences. At Just Criminal Law, we help clients fight these tickets because:
- You may have been improperly cited. Officers sometimes make mistakes or fail to observe the entire situation before issuing a ticket.
- You may face insurance hikes. Even minor traffic violations can lead to higher premiums.
- You may have other pending violations. Avoiding another mark on your driving history can make a difference in future cases.
- You have rights. You are entitled to challenge the citation and request that the state prove the alleged violation.
Our legal team will review the facts of your case, check whether the traffic stop was lawful, and present the strongest possible defense on your behalf.
FAQs About Seat Belt Tickets in WY & SD
Can a seat belt ticket affect my driving record?
In both Wyoming and South Dakota, seat belt tickets do not add points to your driver’s license. However, insurance companies may still see the citation on your record and adjust rates accordingly.
Can I get a seat belt ticket dismissed?
Yes. If you were wearing your seat belt correctly or were cited under improper circumstances, your seat belt ticket lawyer can help you contest the citation. Courts may dismiss tickets if there’s insufficient evidence or procedural errors.
Do I need to appear in court for a seat belt ticket?
In most cases, seat belt violations can be handled without a court appearance. However, if you want to fight the ticket, it’s best to have a lawyer represent you in court.
What if I wasn’t wearing a seat belt but feel the stop was illegal?
If the officer didn’t have a lawful reason to stop your vehicle—especially in Wyoming, where seat belt enforcement is secondary—you may have grounds to challenge the entire citation.
Are commercial drivers treated differently?
Yes. Commercial drivers often face stricter standards and more serious consequences for traffic violations. Keeping a clean driving record is critical for maintaining employment and insurance eligibility.
Get Legal Help from Our Firm Today
If you’ve received a seat belt citation in Wyoming or South Dakota, don’t simply assume you have to pay the fine. Let Just Criminal Law review your case, explain your legal options, and help protect your record.
Our experienced seat belt ticket attorney has helped countless drivers contest citations and minimize penalties across the region. We understand the nuances of both states’ traffic laws and will work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for you.
Call (307) 300-2240 today to discuss your seat belt ticket and get the facts you need for a smooth process.
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