They are mandatory only in the sense you might get a small fine if you happen to be caught and pulled over without one. You still keep your drivers license, and

They are mandatory only in the sense you might get a small fine if you happen to be caught and pulled over without one. You still keep your drivers license, and your car, and your job. Also you can take the seatbelt off when you get out of the car. It's still nonsense (click it or ticket laws), but you gotta pick your battles. Though I'm ready to murder the people who invented/mandated "beep incessantly if the seatbelt is not clicked, even if the car is stationary".