Washington State Department of Licensing Knowledge Test

What is the minimum age of passengers for whom the driver must pay fines if not properly belted or secured?

1. 14

2. 15

3. 16

4. 17

The correct answer is: 16

The minimum age of passengers for whom the driver is responsible for ensuring proper seatbelt use and is subject to fines if they are not properly belted or secured is indeed 16 years old. In Washington State, the law mandates that drivers must ensure that all passengers under the age of 16 are wearing seatbelts. If those younger passengers are not properly secured, the driver can be held accountable and face penalties. This age requirement reflects the legal framework designed to encourage safety and compliance with seatbelt laws among young passengers. Older passengers, specifically those aged 16 and above, are generally considered responsible for their own seatbelt use, which is why the driver's responsibility changes at this age limit. This aligns with the aim of promoting road safety by ensuring that younger, potentially less responsible passengers are secured properly during travel.