On the nysdmv website (http://www.nysdmv.com/dmvfaqs.htm#tickets) it says - "The penalty for a seat belt or car seat violation is a fine of up $50. If a conviction includes a person under the age of 16, the driver receives a maximum fine of $100 and 3 points on the driver license record."
*** WARNING: The DMV website is misleading. As of 9/2009, the base ticket may be $50 but town surcharges are added to it. A ticket can easily cost $50 + $85 "surcharge". This is for adults over 16.
I have no idea what the surcharge is if a person under 16 is in your car not wearing a seatbelt... It could be ghastly expensive since the base there is $100 rather than $50.
Wear your seatbelts and ensure everyone in your car has them on because the cops are serious about giving easy tickets.
I just got my first and last ticket for not wearing a seatbelt (and it's really not contestable) don't make the same mistake!The fines are all brought to you by the insurance lobbysts. Saving and protecting your life means saving them money.