Missing or Defective Seatbelt
A CVC 27315(f) citation means a safety belt in your vehicle was not in good working order. Vehicle Code 27315(f) requires the owner to keep the safety belts in good working order for the people riding in the vehicle, unless federal law did not require them when the vehicle was first sold. A ticket for not wearing a belt falls under a different part of the same section (27315(d) and (e)) and is about the occupant, not the equipment. Repairing or replacing the belt, then getting the correction signed off, resolves this violation.
Correction Window
The deadline is printed on your citation.
Fee After Correction
These steps apply when your ticket was issued as correctable. An officer does not issue it that way if there is evidence of fraud or persistent neglect, the violation presents an immediate safety hazard, or you cannot promptly correct it (Vehicle Code 40610(b)). When the court accepts your proof of correction, the court clerk collects a $25 fee for each corrected violation (Vehicle Code 40611). There is no fee if the agency that cited you handles the correction and nothing is sent to the court (Vehicle Code 40611(c)). Without proof of correction, you may owe the full fine. Check your notice or ask your court for the amount.
Who Can Certify
A police department, the CHP, a sheriff, a marshal or another agency that enforces the Vehicle Code can certify this correction after the seatbelt is repaired or replaced.
The court must dismiss a corrected violation when you deliver proof of correction on or before the date on your ticket (Vehicle Code 40522). After that date it may not accept the correction, and you may owe the full fine. If you fail to appear without good cause, the court may add a civil assessment of up to $100 after mailing you a warning notice (Penal Code 1214.1). Willfully failing to appear, or willfully failing to deliver proof of correction, is a misdemeanor (Vehicle Code 40508 and 40616). If you need more time, ask the court before the date passes.
Step by Step
How to Correct This Violation
- 1
Identify which seatbelt position is missing or defective as noted on your citation.
- 2
Have the seatbelt replaced or repaired by a licensed auto shop.
- 3
Confirm the seatbelt latches, retracts, and releases properly.
- 4
Have a law enforcement officer sign the certificate of correction.
- 5
Submit the signed citation and $25 fee to the court before your deadline.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a seatbelt be repaired or does it need full replacement?
- In most cases, a defective seatbelt retractor or buckle should be fully replaced rather than repaired. Safety equipment must function reliably. A licensed shop can assess whether repair or replacement is appropriate.
This guide covers passenger vehicles. Some rules differ for commercial vehicles and truck tractors (for example, where registration tabs go under Vehicle Code 5204(a)). If you were driving one, check with your employer or a licensed attorney.
This guide provides general procedural information only. It is not legal advice. For questions specific to your citation, contact the court listed on your ticket.
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