Who must wear a seatbelt in a vehicle in Washington State?

In Washington State, the law mandates that all occupants of a vehicle, including those in the back seat, must wear a seatbelt. This regulation is in place to enhance safety for everyone in the vehicle. Seatbelts are designed to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident by keeping occupants secured in their seats, preventing ejection from the vehicle, and minimizing movement during a collision. By requiring all passengers to buckle up, the law aims to increase overall safety and reduce fatalities and serious injuries associated with car crashes.

While the driver and front seat passengers have always been required to wear seatbelts, extending this requirement to all passengers ensures comprehensive protection and promotes a culture of safety within the vehicle. Other choices suggest more limited requirements which do not align with current state laws regarding seatbelt use.