Texas Seat Belt Laws: What You Need to Know (2025)

Texas Seat Belt Law Overview

Texas seat belt laws require drivers and passengers to wear seat belts if they are in a moving vehicle and in a seat equipped with a seat belt. Those age 15 or older may be personally liable for not wearing a seat belt.

Seat Belt Requirements by Age and Vehicle Type

Here’s a quick rundown of laws by age and type of vehicle:

• Adults: Adult drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt.
• Children: Children must be in appropriate car seats.
• Rideshare Vehicles: Seat belt laws still apply in rideshare vehicles.
• Commercial Vehicles: The law doesn’t apply to commercial vehicles meant to transport 16 or more people.

Understanding these requirements can help you avoid breaking the law.

Child Passenger Safety in Texas

Texas car seat laws require age-appropriate car seats or booster seats for babies and children:

• Birth to Age 2: Rear-facing car seat
• Over Age 2: Front-facing car seat
• Ages 4-8: Booster seat (after exceeding car seat weight limit)
• Up to Age 12: Booster seat (until they reach a height of 4’9”)

If you aren’t sure whether your child has the right seat, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) offers free car seat checks.

Fines and Penalties for Non-Compliance

In Texas, breaking seat belt laws is a misdemeanor offense with a $25-$50 fine. If you allow a child to ride in the car without a seat belt, you may owe a fine of $100-$200. If your child is not in an appropriate car seat, you may face a fine of $25-$250.

Exemptions to Texas Seat Belt Laws

Drivers and passengers may be exempt from the law in these circumstances:

• They have a doctor’s note stating they shouldn’t wear a seat belt for a medical reason.
• They are a USPS driver or otherwise delivering mail.
• They are a meter reader.
• They are operating a farm vehicle or a vehicle used to transport solid waste.

If you shouldn’t wear a seat belt for a medical reason, you have 10 days (from the date of the citation) to present the proper documentation to the court.

Why Seat Belt Safety Matters

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stresses that seat belt use saves lives. Although car accidents can always result in major injuries, you’re far more likely to be seriously injured or killed if you’re not wearing a seat belt.

Need to Fight a Traffic Ticket?

Have you gotten a ticket for breaking seat belt laws? You may be able to fight it. At ConsumerShield, we connect you with nearby attorneys. Get started today with a free case review!