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Do backseat passengers have to wear a seatbelt in Texas?

I’ve been having a debate with my friend about the driving laws in Texas. He says that all occupants have to wear seatbelts, but I’m pretty sure that only the driver and front passenger do unless you’re under 18. What’s the seatbelt law in Texas for backseat passengers?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
All backseat passengers must now wear seatbelts in Texas. 
In 2009, House Bill 537 enacted Chapter 545 of the Texas Transportation Code, which requires all passengers in any passenger vehicle to wear seatbelts. This was the first change to the
Texas seatbelt law
since the original law was enacted in 1985.
Here are some regulations within Texas’s seatbelt laws:
  • Those 18 and older caught without a seatbelt incur a $50 fine. 
  • If someone is caught in the backseat without a seat belt and is under the age of 18, the driver can receive a fine of up to $200. 
  • A seatbelt offense isn’t a
    moving violation
    in Texas, meaning you won’t get any
    points on your license
    . But a citation could affect your
    Texas car insurance
    costs, and you may be classified as a
    high-risk driver
Wearing your seatbelt in Texas is more than just keeping out of trouble; it’s all about staying safe. So, follow the
Texas traffic laws
, pay attention to your surroundings, and enjoy cruising the Lone Star state. 
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