Seat Belt Laws in Washington
Washington seat belt laws require all passengers and drivers to wear seat belts or appropriate restraint systems.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
Seat belt laws in Washington say that all passengers and drivers over 16 years old must wear a seat belt. Passengers under 16 must wear an appropriate belt or safety device. Drivers are responsible for—and can be ticketed for violations by—young passengers, but those over 16 are responsible for themselves.
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. Keep safe and buckle up!
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.What are the seat belt laws in Washington?
The Washington State seat belt law says that everyone in the vehicle must wear an appropriate restraint. In other words, no matter the age of the passenger or their location in the vehicle, everyone must be belted.
Passengers 16 and over are responsible for themselves, but drivers are responsible for passengers under 16.
Key Takeaway Everyone must wear a seat belt in Washington State, no matter their age or location in the vehicle.
What happens if you break the seat belt laws in Washington?
The penalty for breaking the seat belt laws in Washington State is $124. It’s considered a primary offense, so you could be pulled over and ticketed if an officer spots someone unbelted in your vehicle.
The driver will be ticketed if the unbelted passenger is under the age of 16.
Key Takeaway You could be fined $124 for breaking the seat belt law in Washington.
Could it impact my driving record?
Possibly. Washington State doesn’t use points for driving records like many other states.
Here, seat belt violations are taken very seriously—but there’s a law against showing these violations to insurance companies. However, too many violations will have an impact on your driving record.
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Could it impact my insurance?
It’s unlikely as Washington law prevents insurance companies from seeing seat belt violations on your record. However, accruing multiple violations or not paying your fines could lead to a situation where the insurance company is alerted. This could increase your premium.
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