Can drivers be ticketed if passengers under age 18 are not restrained?

Drivers can indeed be ticketed if passengers under the age of 18 are not properly restrained. This is because many jurisdictions have specific laws aimed at ensuring the safety of young passengers. These laws generally require that all occupants of the vehicle, especially minors, wear seatbelts or be secured in appropriate child safety seats, depending on their age and size.

The rationale behind these laws is to promote safety and reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident. As drivers are responsible for the safety of all passengers in their vehicle, they can face legal consequences, including fines or other penalties, if they fail to ensure that young passengers are properly restrained. This regulation serves to emphasize the importance of taking safety precautions seriously and to protect vulnerable populations, like children and teenagers, who may not have the ability to make informed decisions about seatbelt use.