Seat Belt Laws in Texas

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury. Beltless driving is responsible for a 16% increase in deaths in Texas. But wearing a belt reduces the risk of death by up to 45% for people in the front seats of passenger cars and up to 60% for people in pickup trucks.

Understanding Texas’ seat belt laws is as important as remembering to wear one. These laws ensure the safety of you and other drivers on the road. Failing to wear a seat belt in Texas could result in fines, legal complications, or reduced injury claim payouts.

At Pierce Skrabanek, we help accident victims navigate these complexities and seek the compensation they deserve. Contact us online or by phone at (832) 690-7000 to get started.

What Are Texas Seat Belt Laws?

Texas seat belt laws are fairly straightforward: vehicle passengers eight years and older must wear seat belts regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle unless a special exemption applies. 

Violations of Texas Transportation Code § 545.413 include: 

• Anyone 15 years or older sitting in a seat with a seat belt but not wearing it.
• The driver of a school bus who isn’t wearing their seat belt, if the bus has one.
• A driver who lets a child under 17 ride in a seat with a seat belt but not wear it.
• Someone who lets a child under 17 ride in a car (with 15 or fewer seats) without wearing a seat belt, if the seat has one.

The Texas seat belt law also states that if a person is 15 or older, they can be held responsible for not wearing a seat belt. Additionally, drivers who let a child under 17 ride without a seat belt can be held responsible for the child.

When Did Seat Belts Become Mandatory in Texas?

In 1985, Texas was one of twelve states that enacted mandatory seat belt laws. However, the Texas seat belt law initially only applied to front-seat passengers. 

By 2009, lawmakers expanded the requirement to all passengers, regardless of where they sit. This progressive change aimed to reduce fatalities and injuries, which are unfortunate issues on Texas roads.

Texas Seat Belt Law Exceptions

While compliance is mandatory, key exceptions exist, including:

• Medical reasons: Individuals with documented medical conditions that make seat belt use unsafe. You must present a physician's statement within 10 days if you do not have it on you at the time of ticketing.
• Occupational exemptions: U.S. postal workers, newspaper delivery personnel, waste and garbage collectors, and utility meter readers performing their duties.
• Agricultural exemptions: Operators of registered farm vehicles under specific weight limits.

At Pierce Skrabanek, we advocate for victims facing challenges related to state seat belt laws in Texas. If you believe an exemption applies to your case or are unsure how it might affect a legal claim, our attorneys can help you. 

Contact us at (832) 690-7000 for a free consultation, and we'll clarify your rights and options.

Do the Seat Belt Laws in Texas Apply to Children? 

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children. Passengers younger than 8 years old and of a certain height are required to ride in child seats to minimize the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident. 

Texas law requires that all children younger than eight years old, unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches, be secured in a child safety seat whenever they ride in a vehicle. Older children who have outgrown a booster seat must be buckled with a seat belt.

How Much Is a Seat Belt Ticket in Texas?

Failing to comply with Texas seat belt laws can result in financial penalties and legal repercussions. Texas law requires everyone in a vehicle to buckle up or face fines and court costs of up to $200.

Children ages eight and younger must be in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they’re taller than four feet nine inches. If not properly restrained, the driver faces fines up to $250, plus court costs.

How Seat Belt Use Affects Personal Injury Claims

Furthermore, not wearing a seat belt during a car accident may impact personal injury claims. Courts may use it as evidence of comparative negligence, reducing your compensation entitlement.

For example, if you sustain injuries in a crash while not wearing a seat belt, a court may determine that your lack of compliance contributed to your injuries. This determination could reduce your compensation by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

Pierce Skrabanek will assist you in navigating these challenges. We help accident victims receive the maximum compensation available under seat belt laws in Texas.

At Pierce Skrabanek, we understand how to navigate these nuanced cases. Our team works closely with medical experts to illustrate the full scope of your injuries and their causes, countering arguments that seat belt nonuse significantly contributed to your harm.

Pierce Skrabanek Attorneys: Protecting Your Rights and Safety

At Pierce Skrabanek, we have the experience necessary to assist clients in achieving justice, as demonstrated by our track record of multimillion-dollar settlements. Our advocacy-driven approach may help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you have questions about how Texas seat belt laws impact your case, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward justice and recovery. Contact us online or by phone at (832) 690-7000 for a free consultation.

Proudly Representing Texas Residents