Seat-Belt Laws in Texas

Texas seat-belt laws require all drivers and passengers over the age of eight to be belted. The driver is responsible for passengers sixteen and under.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
background
Seat-belt laws in Texas dictate that all passengers over the age of eight must wear a seat-belt. Child safety laws apply to children. Drivers are responsible for all passengers sixteen years of age or younger.
Studies show that people are far more likely to be injured or die in a car crash if they are not wearing a seat-belt. Stay safe and buckle up!
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What are the seat-belt laws in Texas?

All passengers eight years of age and older are required by Texas law to wear a seat-belt, no matter where they are seated in the vehicle. Children under the age of eight must be properly restrained with a federally-approved car restraint system.
The driver of the vehicle is responsible for ensuring that passengers sixteen years of age and younger are belted, but passengers seventeen years of age and older are responsible for themselves.
Key Takeaway All passengers eight years of age and older must wear a seat-belt in Texas, and children under the age of eight must be properly restrained.

What happens if you break the seat-belt laws in Texas?

Breaking the Texas seat-belt law is a misdemeanor and could result in a fine between $25 and $50 if the offender is the driver or a passenger who is seventeen years of age or older. The driver will be fined between $100 and $200 if a passenger who is sixteen years of age or younger is unbelted.
In Texas, breaking the seat-belt law is considered a nonmoving violation, so you won’t get any
driver's license points
on your driving record.
Key Takeaway Breaking the Texas seat-belt law will result in a fine of at least $25, and up to $200 if the unbelted passenger is sixteen years of age or younger.

Could it impact my driving record?

It’s unlikely. Since breaking the seat-belt law is considered a nonmoving violation in Texas, you will not receive points on your driving record.
It will show up on your driver abstract, but this shouldn’t have very serious consequences.
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Could it impact my insurance?

Possibly. Seat-belt tickets won’t affect your insurance in most states.
However, your insurance company will definitely notice if you wrack up a ton of seat-belt tickets. If you don’t pay your fine immediately, your credit score might go down. Either scenario could trigger a larger increase in your premiums.

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