What are the consequences of a driver or passenger not wearing a safety belt?
- There are no consequences.
- Just a stern talking to.
- A fine for each individual who is not fastened into their seat. ✓
- Imprisonment.
Answer: C. A fine for each individual who is not fastened into their seat.
Not wearing a safety belt can result in a fine for each person who is not buckled into their seat.
Why this is the answer
The handbook lists penalties for driving without a safety belt. It says a driver can get a citation for not wearing a belt and for not having each child under 17 properly secured, and anyone at least 15 can get a citation for riding unbuckled. Its penalty table also notes fines, including fines assessed to the driver for certain young passengers. That supports a fine for each unbuckled person rather than no consequence, a warning, or imprisonment.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. There are no consequences. — Saying there are no consequences ignores the handbook's statement that not wearing a safety belt violates state law and carries penalties.
- B. Just a stern talking to. — A stern talking to is not what the handbook describes; it lists citations and fines for unbuckled drivers and passengers.
- D. Imprisonment. — Imprisonment is not listed in the handbook's safety belt penalties; the described consequences are citations and fines.
Remember it
Think of the belt as one click per person, because the penalty can follow each unbuckled person.
Official handbook: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), Chapter 13: Bicycle Laws and Safety , p. 64