Only 10 Legal Reasons To Not Wear Seat Belt in Michigan

Michigan seat belt laws are in place and are proven to save lives but there are 10 legal reasons a person does not have to wear a seat belt while in a vehicle in this state.

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When Did Wearing Seat Belts Become a Law in Michigan?

Michigan passed into law that as of July 1, 1985, it was illegal to operate or be a passenger in a motor vehicle without wearing a seat belt.

That is also when the campaign "Click It Or Ticket" became a thing and we Michiganders have been hearing the commercials for 38 years.

According to the Michigan State Police, seat belts have saved nearly 350,000 lives since the law was created. Nearly another 400,000 lives could have been saved if everyone followed the law. Are there any exceptions to the seat belt law?

Only 10 Reasons You Don't Have to Wear a Seat Belt in Michigan

According to the Michigan Legislature, there are 10 exceptions where a Michigader does not have to wear a seat belt.

#1 A Motor Vehicle Manufactured Before January 1, 1965

Before 1965, vehicles did not have seat belts. If you own a classic vehicle that was built before 1965 you are off the hook on having to wear a seat belt.

#2 A Bus

If you have taken a city bus you know that most do not have seat belts and even those that do, the law is not enforced because you don't have to wear it.

#3 A Motorcycle

Not sure I have ever seen a motorcycle with a seat belt but if you own one you don't have to wear a seat belt.

#4 A Moped

A moped falls into the same category as a motorcycle in that they both do not have seat belts and if you get into a jam and have to jump off, not having a seat belt might save your life.

#5 A Letter From a Physician

If for some reason the driver or passenger has a written verification from a physician that the driver or the passenger is unable to wear a seat belt for physical or medical reasons. That same letter might get you a front-row parking sticker as well.

#6 Motorized Vehicle Not Required To Have Safety Belt

There are a lot of motorized vehicles that are used to help keep the city clean or for you to do your job that do not require a seat belt to operate. Can you imagine if you got a ticket for not having a seat belt on while mowing your lawn?

 #7 Delivery Vehicles

Odds are there are seat belts in that FedEx truck pictured above and drivers are probably told to use them by their bosses. The law in Michigan states that any vehicle that is used for commercial use like a U.S. Post Office vehicle, that makes frequent stops to pick up or deliver goods and services is exempt from having to wear a seat belt.

#8 Rural Mail Carriers

Most rural U.S. Post Office delivery drivers use their vehicles to deliver your mail, often sitting in the passenger side with a special brake on the floor.

#9 School Bus Passengers

Passengers on school buses are exempt from seat belt requirements. Not sure the kids are supposed to be hanging out of the school bus windows but they look like they are having fun.

#10 Adults Don't Have to Wear Seat Belts In the Back Seat

It is not illegal to not wear a seat belt in the back seat of a car in Michigan if you are 16 years of age or older. Anyone who is 15 years of age or younger must be restrained if riding in the back of a motor vehicle. The only exception is if there are more people in the car than there are seat belts.