Why New Hampshire Stands Alone On Adult Seatbelt Laws

The Lone Exception In America:

When it comes to seatbelt laws, every state in the United States has rules that require adults in the front seat to buckle up—except one. 

New Hampshire is the only state where adults are not legally required to wear seatbelts in the front seat. 

This unique situation raises questions about safety, personal freedom, and the reasons behind New Hampshire’s decision.

A Look At Seatbelt Laws Across The Country:

Most states have laws that make it mandatory for drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seatbelts. These laws are enforced in two main ways:

Primary enforcement: Police can stop and ticket you just for not wearing a seatbelt.

Secondary enforcement: Police can only ticket you for not wearing a seatbelt if you were pulled over for another reason.

In 2025, 35 states and Washington, D.C., have primary enforcement for seatbelts in the front seat, while 14 states use secondary enforcement. Only New Hampshire has no law at all for adults in the front seat.

New Hampshire’s Unique Position: 

In New Hampshire, adults are free to choose whether or not to wear a seatbelt. 

The state does have strict rules for children and teens: anyone under 18 must be properly restrained, either with a seatbelt or a child safety seat, depending on age and size. 

But once a person turns 18, there is no legal requirement to buckle up.

Why Doesn’t New Hampshire Have An Adult Seatbelt Law: 

There are several reasons why New Hampshire remains the only state without this law:

Personal freedom: Many people in the state believe adults should have the right to make their own choices about safety.

Political tradition: New Hampshire has a long history of valuing individual rights and limited government.

Public opinion: Lawmakers have tried to pass seatbelt laws for adults, but these efforts have not succeeded, partly because many residents oppose them.

The Impact Of Not Having A Law:

Not having a seatbelt law for adults has real consequences. Studies show that wearing a seatbelt can cut the risk of dying in a car crash by nearly half for people in cars, and even more for those in trucks and SUVs. 

In 2024, seatbelts saved almost 15,000 lives across the country, but more than half of people killed in nighttime crashes were not wearing a seatbelt. 

New Hampshire’s seatbelt use rate is lower than the national average, which could mean more injuries or deaths in crashes.

What About Antique Vehicles:  

Recently, New Hampshire lawmakers considered a bill that would require drivers and passengers in antique vehicles (model year 1968 or older) to wear seatbelts when driving more than 20 miles on highways, with some exceptions. 

However, this law is not set to take effect until 2026, and it only applies to certain vehicles, and not all adults.

Looking To The Future: Change On The Horizon:

As safety data continues to show the benefits of seatbelt use, some people wonder if New Hampshire will eventually join the rest of the country. 

For now, the state stands alone, balancing personal freedom with public safety. Whether this will change depends on the choices of lawmakers and the people they represent.