Seat Belt Restrictions

Can the government requires you to a wear seat belt while driving?

The governments in most states, if not all states, do require an individual to wear a seatbelt while driving. If you get caught without a seatbelt you may be fined or forced to attend classes explaining the importance of wearing a seatbelt. You also can not take a driving test without fastening your seatbelt first. It is an automatic failure in the state of Ohio.

What is the argument that it can, and what is the argument that it cannot?

The argument that the government can impose the seat belt law is to protect individuals and others who might be affected by an injury which may occur if they don't have a sear belt on. Although wearing a seatbelt is an individual risk, if I person chooses not to wear a seatbelt and they get hurt their injury affects other therefore it is not a victimless crime. The family, other involved party and witnesses to an accident all may be affected by the harm that may be done if a person has not properly used safety restraints.

The argument that the government cannot impose the seat belt law is that wearing a seatbelt is a personal choice and if a person chooses not to protect themselves that is their choice. It is their life and ultimately their decision. It is view as a victimless crime.

How would such seat belt laws differ from the requirement that infants in cars be in car seats?

There is no difference. The purpose of all safety restraints for infants and adults is to keep people safe. The only difference would be the type of safety restraint to be used based on the size of the person. The purpose of the seat belt law is the same