Can a taxi passenger be ticketed for not wearing a seat belt?

Trooper Steve explains Florida traffic laws

ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.

Trooper Steve on Thursday was asked, “Can a passenger in a taxi/cab get a fine for not wearing a seat belt?”

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“I feel like we’re always looking for an excuse to not do something that the law requires, let alone that is extremely safe for us to be practicing,” Trooper Steve said. “Whenever you are in any vehicle on any public roadway, Florida laws apply. This would be the case for Florida seat belt law. If a passenger was required to wear their seat belt under the law and in any type of vehicle for hire, they would be required to wear their seat belt.”

For example, if a front-right passenger didn’t have their seat belt on and was over the age of 18, Trooper Steve says they could be stopped and they would receive a ticket. If that individual was under the age of 18 and not wearing their seat belt however, a citation would go to the driver.

“Something to also pay attention to, drivers of these vehicles are also required to wear their seat belt,” Trooper Steve said. “There are very few situations where a driver of a vehicle is not required to wear their seat belt. This would not be one of the situations and a seat belt is mandatory.”

If you have a question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.

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About the Author
Steve Montiero headshot

Steven Montiero, better known as “Trooper Steve," joined the News 6 morning team as its Traffic Safety Expert in October 2017. A Central Florida native and decorated combat veteran, Montiero comes to the station following an eight-year assignment with the Florida Highway Patrol.

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