Texas laws regarding seat belt use are contained in Transportation Code Chapter 545. Not wearing seat belts and not following rules for transporting minors can result in fines and penalties. Houston personal injury lawyers know that seat belts can make a big difference in some car crashes.
In Texas, Everyone Must be Belted
Texas law requires everyone in a vehicle to be belted. Adults and children, regardless of their position in the vehicle.
Penalties for wearing a seat belt under Section 545.413.
Riding in a car while it is being operated is an offense and not wearing your seat belt.
A fine can be not less than $25 or more than $250, but the real expense to people who fail to wear their seat belts is the cost of court and hassle factor.
For instance, Harris County lists their total window fine for seat belts – for adults at $ 125 and $185 if a minor is not secured.
As many drivers understand, wearing a seat belt is vital to ensuring safety while on the road. However, while this is generally common practice, individuals should also consider the law regarding seat belt usage. Houston has some dangerous roads, and being belted is vital.
Child Restraint Requirements in Texas
The Texas Department of Public Safety emphasizes the importance of child safety seats. This is outlined in the Transportation Code Chapter 545.
A child safety seat system includes car seats of all types and restraints to keep the child secure in the seat.
A child safety seat is a system that meets federal crash test standards. These standards are set by the National Highway Safety Administration. The purpose of the safety seat is to restrain infants and children.
Seatbelts reduce the chance of getting hurt or killed in a surprise crash.
Drivers Must Ensure Children are Secured!
However, the violation would be considered a misdemeanor if a child is not properly secured in a safety seat.
Breaking traffic laws can result in a fine of $25 to $250 and impact your driving record.
Rules for Child Seats In Texas!
Car seat laws in Texas are in place to ensure the safety of children traveling in motor vehicles. The laws in Texas outline the type of car seat required based on the child’s age, weight, and height. Proper seat belts can prevent child injury. Failing to comply with these laws can result in fines and penalties. Here is everything you need to know about car seat laws in Texas.
Types of Children’s Car Seats
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) outlines the following types of car seats required for children:
- Children under two years old should use a rear-facing car seat. Children who are too small for a forward-facing car seat should also use a rear-facing car seat. The rear-facing car seat should be placed in the back of the car.
- Forward-facing car seat– Children who have outgrown their rear-facing car seat should be placed in a forward-facing car seat.
- Booster seats are for kids who have outgrown forward-facing car seats. They should use a booster seat until they reach a height of 4 feet 9 inches.
Seat belt- Children who have outgrown their booster seat should use a seat belt that fits properly.
Car Seat Requirements by Age
The following are car seat requirements in Texas based on a child’s age:
- Infants and toddlers up to the age of two should be placed in a rear-facing seat.
- Children aged 2-4 and weighing 30-40 pounds should sit in a forward-facing seat with a harness for safety.
- Children between the ages of four and eight and under 4 foot 9 inches tall should be placed in a booster seat.
- Children at least eight years old and have reached 4 foot 9 inches tall should use a seat belt that fits properly.
Why Older Children Should Learn to Wear Seatbelts Correctly
Older children should always wear seatbelts correctly for several important reasons. Children between the ages of 10 and 12 may be big enough to sit safely in a car’s passenger seats. However, the seatbelt may still feel uncomfortable for them. This discomfort can make kids adjust the seatbelt in unsafe ways. For example, they may put it around their stomach or under their arms instead of over their shoulders. Such improper adjustments significantly increase the risk of severe injuries during an accident.
It is important for older children to wear seatbelts correctly for the best protection and safety in case of a crash. Seatbelts are made to spread crash forces over strong body parts like shoulders and hips, lowering the risk of severe injury. When worn incorrectly, however, seatbelts fail to provide this optimal protection, leaving children vulnerable to various harm.
Wearing seatbelts properly shows younger kids how to be safe in the car when they see older siblings or friends. Younger children often look up to older children as role models. If they see older children wearing seatbelts properly, they are more likely to learn and adopt safe behaviors. Older kids can help make sure everyone stays safe by always wearing their seatbelt. This habit will keep them and others protected for life.
Overall, older children need to wear seatbelts correctly on every trip. Buckling up reduces injuries, teaches kids to use seatbelts, and encourages safe driving habits.
Seat belts Reduce Injury Risk.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 3.8 million people were treated in emergency rooms because of car accidents in 2020. Estimated costs are over $70 billion annually for crash-related injuries and death.
Wearing a seatbelt can greatly reduce the seriousness of injuries and the chance of death by more than half. Many people do not wear seatbelts because they have airbags in their vehicles. Airbags are great extra protection but are not designed as a substitute for a safety belt.
The largest groups of people who do not wear seatbelts are those adults aged 18 to 34. Additionally, women are much more likely to wear seatbelts than men.
Texas has done well in enforcing seat belt laws and educating the public. This helps reduce injuries from accidents.
The “click it or ticket” slogan reminds people that not wearing a seatbelt is illegal and can lead to a fine. It has been successful in raising awareness about seatbelt laws.
Resources:
For more information about car seat laws in Texas, visit the Texas Department of Transportation website at https://www.txdot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-campaigns/child-passenger-safety.html.
You can also find information about car seat safety and installation on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats.
Please buckle up!
What is Baumgartner Law Firm’s Expertise?
Baumgartner Law Firm was founded in 1985 to offer the highest quality representation of accident victims. Our personal injury lawyers in Texas are very successful and are among the best in their field.
Contact The Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm for Help
If you have been injured in an accident in Houston, TX, and need help, contact our Houston car accident attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm by calling (281) 587-1111.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, TX 77069
(281) 587-1111
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