North Carolina: Seat belts & child safety
Seat belts, child safety seats, booster seats, air bags and helmets. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Seat belts & child safety — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “For a provisional licensee, who must have a safety belt properly fastened when the vehicle is in motion?”
StartSeat belts & child safety — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “At what speed, at most, does an air bag come out of the dashboard, according to the manual?”
StartAll 42 Seat belts & child safety questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
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When you are driving with a Level One permit, all passengers must be restrained by:
- A seat belt only
- A child safety seat only
- Nothing if they sit in the back seat
- A seat belt or child safety seat
Show answer
Correct answer: A seat belt or child safety seat
The manual says all passengers must be restrained by seat belt or child safety seat.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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For a provisional licensee, who must have a safety belt properly fastened when the vehicle is in motion?
- Only the driver of the vehicle
- Only occupants of the front seat
- Only passengers under age 18
- Every person occupying the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Every person occupying the vehicle
The manual says every person occupying a vehicle in motion must have a safety belt properly fastened.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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During an average lifetime of driving, what chance do we face of being seriously injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash, according to the manual?
- About one in ten
- About one in two
- About one in twenty
- About one in three
Show answer
Correct answer: About one in three
The manual states that during an average lifetime of driving we face about a one-in-three chance of being seriously injured or killed in a crash.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 43 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 43)
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Under North Carolina's seat belt law, when must the driver and all passengers of a vehicle with seat belts have them fastened?
- At all times when the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway
- Only when driving on highways with a speed limit above 45 mph
- Only when driving outside city limits or on open country roads
- Only when children under age 16 are riding in the same vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: At all times when the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway
The manual says the driver and all passengers must have a seat belt properly fastened at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway in this state.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 43 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 43)
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Must occupants wear seat belts if the vehicle is equipped with air bags?
- No, air bags give enough protection
- Only the driver must wear one
- Yes, all occupants must wear seat belts
- Only occupants under age 16 must wear one
Show answer
Correct answer: Yes, all occupants must wear seat belts
The manual says that under the seat belt law all occupants MUST wear seat belts even if the vehicle is equipped with air bags.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 43 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 43)
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If a vehicle is equipped with automatic shoulder harnesses, what else must be worn?
- A booster seat
- The lap belt
- A second shoulder harness
- Nothing else
Show answer
Correct answer: The lap belt
The manual says that if the vehicle has automatic shoulder harnesses, the lap belt MUST also be worn.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 43 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 43)
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Which of these is listed as an exemption to the seat belt law?
- A driver who is only traveling a short distance on local streets close to home
- A passenger sitting in the back seat of a passenger car on a short trip
- A driver who is running late and is in a great hurry to reach a destination
- An occupant of a noncommercial vehicle with a medical condition preventing restraint
Show answer
Correct answer: An occupant of a noncommercial vehicle with a medical condition preventing restraint
The manual lists an exemption for a driver or occupant of a noncommercial vehicle with a medical or physical condition that prevents appropriate restraint by a seat belt.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 43 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 43)
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Which of these drivers is exempt from the seat belt law while doing the described work?
- A rural letter carrier of the U.S. Postal Service while performing carrier duties
- A taxi driver who is working a full shift at any time of the day or night
- A student driver who is taking a driving lesson from a licensed instructor
- A driver who is traveling on a local road with a posted speed limit of 25 mph
Show answer
Correct answer: A rural letter carrier of the U.S. Postal Service while performing carrier duties
The manual exempts a motor vehicle operated by a rural letter carrier of the United States Postal Service while performing rural letter carrier duties.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 43 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 43)
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A driver or passenger who frequently stops and leaves the vehicle or delivers property from it is exempt from the seat belt law if the vehicle's speed between stops does not exceed what?
- 10 miles per hour
- 35 miles per hour
- 20 miles per hour
- 45 miles per hour
Show answer
Correct answer: 20 miles per hour
The manual gives this exemption only if the speed of the vehicle between stops does not exceed 20 miles per hour.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 43 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 43)
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Which vehicle is exempt from the seat belt law when used for the stated purpose?
- A passenger car that is being driven to a farm market by a farm family
- A property-carrying vehicle used for agricultural purposes in intrastate commerce
- A pickup truck that is being driven to a hardware store on a weekend
- A van that is being used to carry workers between two job sites daily
Show answer
Correct answer: A property-carrying vehicle used for agricultural purposes in intrastate commerce
The manual exempts any vehicle registered and licensed as a property-carrying vehicle while being used for agricultural purposes in intrastate commerce.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 43 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 43)
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An occupant of a motor home other than the driver and front seat passengers is exempt from the seat belt law if the motor home has at least how many of the listed facilities?
- Two
- Three
- Six
- Four
Show answer
Correct answer: Four
The manual says the exemption applies provided the motor home has at least four of the listed facilities, such as cooking, refrigeration, toilet, heating, water supply or electrical power.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 43 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 43)
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According to the manual, what is the number one threat to the lives of young children?
- The automobile accident
- Fires inside the home
- Accidental drowning at home
- Falls inside the house
Show answer
Correct answer: The automobile accident
The manual states that the number one threat to the lives of young children is the automobile accident.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 43 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 43)
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According to the manual, which child safety seats can reduce crash tragedies?
- Any seat with a padded cushion
- Any seat sold in a store
- Only crash-tested child safety seats
- Only seats that are new and unused
Show answer
Correct answer: Only crash-tested child safety seats
The manual says only crash-tested child safety seats can reduce these tragedies.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 43 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 43)
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Properly used safety seats could save how many out of every 10 children who are killed while unrestrained?
- Three
- Seven
- Five
- Nine
Show answer
Correct answer: Seven
The manual states that properly used safety seats could save seven out of every 10 children who are killed while unrestrained.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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According to the manual, which safety seat is the best seat for your child?
- The most expensive seat available
- The largest seat that fits in the vehicle
- A seat that the child can buckle without help
- One that is used every time the child rides in a car
Show answer
Correct answer: One that is used every time the child rides in a car
The manual says the best seat for your child is a safety seat that is used every time the child rides in a car.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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Every driver transporting passengers younger than what age must make sure each is properly secured in a child passenger restraint system or seat belt?
- 16 years
- 8 years
- 12 years
- 18 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 16 years
The manual says every driver transporting passengers younger than 16 must make sure each is properly secured in a child restraint system or seat belt.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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A child under age 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds must be properly secured in what?
- An adult seat belt with a folded blanket under the child
- An adult shoulder belt worn across the chest only
- A weight appropriate child passenger restraint system
- An adult lap belt worn snugly across the hips only
Show answer
Correct answer: A weight appropriate child passenger restraint system
The manual says a child under age 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds must be properly secured in a weight appropriate child passenger restraint system.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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If a vehicle has an active passenger-side front air bag and a rear seat, which child must be properly secured in the rear seat unless the restraint system is designed for use with a front air bag?
- A child under age 3 and weighing less than 30 pounds
- A child under age 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds
- A child under age 6 and weighing less than 50 pounds
- A child under age 10 and weighing less than 100 pounds
Show answer
Correct answer: A child under age 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds
The manual says a child under age 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds must be secured in the rear seat in that situation.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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If no seating position has a lap and shoulder belt to secure the child restraint system, what can restrain a child under age 8 who weighs between 40 and 80 pounds?
- A shoulder belt only
- An adult holding the child in the seat
- Nothing, because no restraint is possible
- A properly fitted lap belt only
Show answer
Correct answer: A properly fitted lap belt only
The manual says such a child can be restrained by a properly fitted lap belt only.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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For which children does the manual say booster seats that meet federal standards should be used?
- Children who have outgrown standard safety seats, until big enough for seat belts
- Only infants who are less than one year of age and riding in the rear
- Only children who are riding in the front passenger seat of a vehicle
- Only children who are too tired to sit up straight in a standard seat
Show answer
Correct answer: Children who have outgrown standard safety seats, until big enough for seat belts
The manual says booster seats should be used for children who have outgrown their standard safety seats until they are big enough for seat belts.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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Where must a lap seat belt fit on a child?
- Loosely across the stomach, with room to move
- High across the ribs, close to the shoulder belt
- Snugly across the hips, not across the stomach
- Across the thighs only, below the child's hips
Show answer
Correct answer: Snugly across the hips, not across the stomach
The manual says the lap seat belt must fit snugly across the child's hips, not across the stomach.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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Where must the shoulder portion of a lap/shoulder belt fall on a child?
- Across the neck and chin, close to the child's face
- Across the shoulder and chest, not across the face or throat
- Under the child's arm and across the stomach or lap
- Behind the child's back and out of the way of the arm
Show answer
Correct answer: Across the shoulder and chest, not across the face or throat
The manual says the shoulder portion must fall across the shoulder and chest, not across the face or throat.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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At what speed, at most, does an air bag come out of the dashboard, according to the manual?
- Up to 50 miles per hour
- Up to 100 miles per hour
- Up to 300 miles per hour
- Up to 200 miles per hour
Show answer
Correct answer: Up to 200 miles per hour
The manual says an air bag comes out of the dashboard at up to 200 miles per hour, faster than the blink of an eye.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 44 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 44)
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Children of what age and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat, according to the manual's child safety points?
- 12 and under
- 8 and under
- 10 and under
- 16 and under
Show answer
Correct answer: 12 and under
The manual's child safety points say children age 12 and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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Which children should NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag?
- Children in booster seats
- Children older than 12
- Infants in rear-facing child safety seats
- Adults who wear both lap and shoulder belts
Show answer
Correct answer: Infants in rear-facing child safety seats
The manual says infants in rear-facing child safety seats should NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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How does the manual describe air bags in its adult safety points?
- As a replacement for seat belts
- As supplemental protection devices
- As protection for the driver only
- As unnecessary when a lap belt is worn
Show answer
Correct answer: As supplemental protection devices
The manual tells everyone to buckle up with both lap and shoulder belts on every trip, because air bags are supplemental protection devices.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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How should the shoulder portion of an adult's seat belt be positioned, according to the manual?
- Across the neck and the shoulder, snug against the throat
- Under the arm and across the ribs, low across the stomach
- Across the stomach and lap, well below the ribs and breastbone
- Over the collarbone, away from the neck, and across the breastbone
Show answer
Correct answer: Over the collarbone, away from the neck, and across the breastbone
The manual says the shoulder portion should come over the collarbone away from the neck and cross over the breastbone.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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How should the lap belt be worn, according to the manual's adult safety points?
- Under the abdomen and low across the hips
- Across the stomach, well above the hips
- High across the ribs, near the shoulder belt
- Loosely across the lap, with some slack
Show answer
Correct answer: Under the abdomen and low across the hips
The manual says the lap belt should be worn under the abdomen and low across the hips.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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Where should the driver and front passenger seats be positioned, according to the manual's adult safety points?
- As far forward as practical
- To the middle of the seat track
- As far back as practical
- Only far enough to reach the pedals
Show answer
Correct answer: As far back as practical
The manual says the driver and front passenger seats should be moved as far back as practical, particularly for shorter-statured people.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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Who must wear a motorcycle safety helmet under North Carolina law?
- Only operators of motorcycles who are under age 21
- All operators and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds
- Only passengers who are riding behind the operator
- Only riders who are traveling on highways or interstates
Show answer
Correct answer: All operators and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds
The manual says all operators and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds must wear a helmet that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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Which federal standard must a motorcycle safety helmet comply with?
- FMVSS 208
- FMVSS 108
- FMVSS 500
- FMVSS 218
Show answer
Correct answer: FMVSS 218
The manual says helmets must be of a type that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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What thick inner liner should a legal motorcycle helmet have?
- A firm polystyrene foam liner about one inch thick
- A thin soft foam padding under the outer shell
- A cloth lining that is about a quarter inch thick
- A hollow plastic liner with no foam inside
Show answer
Correct answer: A firm polystyrene foam liner about one inch thick
The manual says a legal helmet has a firm inner liner of polystyrene foam about one inch thick; non-compliant helmets normally have no liner or a thin soft foam padding.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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If a motorcyclist places a separately purchased DOT sticker on a novelty helmet, what does that do?
- It makes the helmet compliant
- It makes the helmet compliant if placed on the back
- It does not make the helmet compliant
- It makes the helmet compliant for passengers only
Show answer
Correct answer: It does not make the helmet compliant
The manual says the DOT symbol must be permanently installed by the manufacturer, and a separate sticker placed by the motorcyclist does not make a helmet compliant.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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Which information is on the manufacturer's label permanently attached inside a legal helmet?
- The name of the first owner
- The month and year of manufacture
- The purchase price of the helmet
- The state where the helmet was sold
Show answer
Correct answer: The month and year of manufacture
The manual says the interior label includes the manufacturer's name, precise model, size, month and year of manufacture, and materials and care instructions.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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North Carolina law prohibits children less than what age from riding in the open bed of a pick-up truck?
- 8
- 12
- 18
- 16
Show answer
Correct answer: 16
The manual states that North Carolina law prohibits children less than age 16 from riding in the open bed of a pick-up truck.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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Who is responsible for compliance with the law on children riding in an open pick-up bed?
- The operator of the vehicle
- The child's parent, if not driving
- The owner of the vehicle, if not driving
- The child's school
Show answer
Correct answer: The operator of the vehicle
The manual says the operator of a vehicle with an open bed or open cargo area is responsible for compliance with this law.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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How does the manual define an open bed or open cargo area of a pick-up truck?
- Any truck bed that is being driven with the tailgate lowered
- Any truck bed that is carrying cargo of any kind or weight
- A cargo area without permanent overhead restraining construction
- Any truck bed that has no seat belts installed inside it
Show answer
Correct answer: A cargo area without permanent overhead restraining construction
The manual defines an open bed or open cargo area as one without permanent overhead restraining construction.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 45)
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The provisions on securing children in an open pick-up bed do not apply in which situation?
- The truck is traveling at less than 25 mph on a local road
- An adult is present in the bed and is supervising the child
- The trip is less than five miles long and on local roads
- The child has written permission from a parent to ride there
Show answer
Correct answer: An adult is present in the bed and is supervising the child
The manual lists an adult being present in the bed or cargo area and supervising the child as an exemption.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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The provisions on securing children in an open pick-up bed do not apply in which situation?
- The vehicle is being operated on a dirt road
- The vehicle is being operated at night
- The vehicle is being operated in a school zone
- The vehicle is being operated in a parade
Show answer
Correct answer: The vehicle is being operated in a parade
The manual lists a vehicle being operated in a parade as an exemption, along with emergencies and agricultural enterprise use.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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What fine applies to violators of the law on children riding in the open bed of a pick-up truck?
- $25
- $100
- $50
- $250
Show answer
Correct answer: $25
The manual says violators are issued tickets and are subject to a fine of $25.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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How does the manual describe violations of the law on children riding in the open bed of a pick-up truck?
- Misdemeanors that add three license points to the driver's record
- Infractions that add both court costs and insurance surcharges
- Infractions with no court costs, license points or insurance surcharges
- Infractions that carry two license points but no court costs
Show answer
Correct answer: Infractions with no court costs, license points or insurance surcharges
The manual says violations are defined as infractions and do not incur court costs, driver license points or insurance surcharges.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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After sitting in the sun, about how much higher than the outside temperature can the temperature inside a parked vehicle rise?
- 10-15 degrees
- 40-50 degrees
- 20-25 degrees
- 60-70 degrees
Show answer
Correct answer: 40-50 degrees
The manual says the temperature inside a vehicle can rise approximately 40-50 degrees higher than the outside temperature.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)