What are the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt in Washington?

In Washington, failure to wear a seatbelt can lead to fines and possible points being added to your driving record. This is because seatbelt use is mandated by law, as it significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash. Law enforcement officers can issue a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt, which typically comes with a monetary fine. Additionally, accumulating points on your driving record due to seatbelt violations can have further implications, such as potential increases in insurance rates or issues with driving privileges.

This underscores the importance of seatbelt use not only for personal safety but also for compliance with state laws designed to promote safer driving practices.