Policy Text
San Francisco Police Department 9.04
GENERAL ORDER Rev. 0 3/06/24
Eff. 07/16/24
Page 1 of 2
Seat Belt Policy
9.04.01 PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to establish guidelines for seatbelt use while operating or
transporting passengers in an authorized Department vehicle.
9.04.02 POLICY
This Department General Order provides policy for Department Members for the use of
seatbelts as required by the California Vehicle Code. During the use of an authorized motor
vehicle for an official purpose, all Department Members and occupants are required to use a
seatbelt. Members shall pro perly adjust and securely fasten safety belts when operating or
riding in a vehicle. This policy applies to the operation of any motor vehicle assigned to the
Department and any privately owned or rental vehicle the Department authorizes for official use
by a member.
Members must be prepared to justify any deviation from this requirement.
A. Passenger Transportation
Before transporting any passenger, members must confirm that the vehicle used is
equipped with functioning seat belts for each passenger.
1. Children – Prior to transporting any child, a member knowledgeable in the proper use
of a supplemental child car seat or a child “booster seat” must confirm that the seat is
approved and within the recommended use period (not expired ). Only approved child
safety restraints shall be used when transporting children . Members shall adhere to the
California Vehicle Code pertaining to the transportation of children and the safety seat
manufacturer guidelines for proper seat use.
2. Adults – Members are responsible for the safety and security of all persons they
transport within a Department vehicle . When transporting a person in custody whose
size or build, coupled with the vehicle configuration of a sedan or SUV, does not allow
for proper use of a seat belt to secure the intended passenger, Members shall use a
marked department van for transportation.
B. Exemptions
1. Person in c ustody is resisting or combative - If an officer’s safety would be
jeopardized by attempting to secure a safety belt around the person in custody within a
DGO 9.04
Rev. 03/06/24
Eff. 07/16/24
Page 2 of 2
patrol vehicle , the officer should consider request ing a wagon to transport the person in
custody , and every reasonable attempt to secure the person in custody with a seatbelt
shall be made and articulated in an incident report.
The transportation of a person in custody under this circumstance must be
communicated to and approved by the member’s supervisor before transporting.
Articulate in the incident report the circumstances along with the name and star number
of the notified supervisor.
2. Mental Health Crisis – Refer to DGO 6.14 Psychological Evaluation of Adults for
transportation of persons in mental crisis.
3. Removal of Seat Belts – In preparation for taking police action, such as arriving for a
call for service, making a vehicle traffic stop, or actively searching for an individual,
officers may remove the seat belt for a quick exit prior to stopping the vehicle .
4. Exigent Circumstance Exception - An exigent circumstance arises when an officer
reasonably believes, based on specific and articulable facts , that a threat exists to a
person’s safety, the safety of others or the officer’s safety if a seatbelt is worn . The
officer may then remove the seatbelt until the threat is over .