Can drivers be ticketed for passengers under age 18 not wearing seatbelts?

Drivers can indeed be ticketed for passengers under the age of 18 not wearing seatbelts due to laws that place the responsibility of ensuring that all passengers in the vehicle are properly restrained. These laws are designed to enhance safety, as younger passengers are more vulnerable in the event of a collision and are often not as aware of the importance of seatbelt use.

In many states, if the driver is aware that a passenger is not wearing a seatbelt, they can receive a citation for the violation. This regulation emphasizes the role of the driver in maintaining passenger safety, particularly for minors who may not always understand or adhere to safety protocols on their own. Passengers above the age of 18 may be responsible for their own seatbelt use in some jurisdictions, hence the focus on passengers under the age of 18 is significant in this context.