when i first started driving, i was encouraged to wear my seat belt. sometimes i did. sometimes i didn't. when i joined the military--air force--it was mandatory on base. i lived on base. it wasn't until i was in an accident, and experienced how seat beats save you, that i became big on wearing seatbelts. in most states, wearing seat belts is the law. in california, the driver is responsible for ensuring all riders under age sixteen wear their seatbelts...or get ticketed. in mississippi, the driver is responsible for ensuring all riders wear their seat belts...or get ticketed. different other states vary between these two. everyone should know what their state, and any other state they will be driving in, requires. these days, in most states, seatbelt use has become a primary offense...meaning the police can stop you just for not wearing your seatbelt. since that took effect, more people have been using seatbelts. i use them religiously.