Who is exempt from wearing a seat belt when driving a taxicab with a passenger?

The correct answer is that the driver is exempt from wearing a seat belt when driving a taxicab with a passenger. This exemption exists because driving a taxicab often involves frequent stops and starts, as well as the need for the driver to quickly assist passengers or respond to in-vehicle situations.

Regulations have taken into account the unique nature of taxi operations, allowing drivers to maintain a level of mobility that could become hindered by wearing a seat belt in certain scenarios. This is designed to ensure that drivers can assist passengers more effectively and respond to the dynamic environment in which taxis operate.

In contrast, passengers and pedestrians, who are not actively controlling the vehicle, do not have the same exemptions and must follow standard seat belt laws for their safety. Dispatchers are not involved in the physical operation of the taxi and therefore are not relevant to this question regarding seat belt requirements.