How many states have secondary enforcement for rear seat passengers?

The correct choice indicates that seven states have secondary enforcement laws for rear seat passengers. This means that in these states, law enforcement officers can only issue a citation for a seat belt violation involving rear seat passengers if the vehicle has been stopped for another primary offense, such as speeding or running a stop sign.

This type of enforcement reflects a legislative approach that acknowledges the importance of seat belt usage while also considering officer discretion and resource allocation. In states with secondary enforcement for rear seat passengers, there may be a distinct focus on promoting safety without disproportionately penalizing drivers for noncompliance that does not directly impact public safety in the same way as more severe infractions.

States may differ in their laws regarding seat belt enforcement practices, so this information is useful for understanding regional variations in traffic laws and the emphasis each state places on passenger safety.