Seat belts and child seats in Texas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Occupants aged 15 and over must wear a seat belt in any seat equipped with one, and children under 17 must be belted. A child under 8 must be in a child safety seat unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 m).
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | A child younger than 8 must be secured in a child passenger safety seat system unless the child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 m). A child younger than 17 who is not required to be in a safety seat must be secured by a safety belt. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | Fine of $25 to $50 for a person aged 15 or over not wearing a seat belt. A driver who lets a child under 17 ride unbelted faces $100 to $200. [1] |
Notes
- The duty applies to a seat equipped with a safety belt in a passenger vehicle. Exemptions include a physician statement and certain work vehicles.
Sources
- Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Texas Transportation Code Chapter 545 (Sec. 545.412 and Sec. 545.413) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Texas and neighbouring states
| State | Seat belt compulsory in front seats | Seat belt compulsory in rear seats | Child restraint required until | Children in the front seat | Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Yes | Yes | Under 8, unless taller than 4 ft 9 in | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Arkansas | Yes | Under 15 only | Under 6 and under 60 lb: child seat; under 15 restrained | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Louisiana | Yes, every occupant | Yes, every occupant | Seats by age; adult belt from age 9 or when outgrown | Under 13 in rear seat when available | No if airbag active and rear seat available (under 6/60 lb) |
| New Mexico | Yes | Yes | Child restraint by age and weight to age 12; belt to 17 | Under 1: rear seat if the vehicle has one | No, unless no rear seat and no airbag switch |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Only children under 8 (restraint system) | Under 8, unless over 4 ft 9 in | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Texas
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 70 mph; 60 mph on unnumbered roads
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class C, after 6 months on permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 15
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no bottle rockets) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No carry ban for blades up to 5.5 in · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting only) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (minors may not buy) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (minors may not buy)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.