Traffic Safety and the Trail to Eagle
Traffic Safety is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Traffic Safety Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 5 main requirements for Traffic Safety. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Describe the top 10 mistakes new drivers frequently make.
- b.Describe how alcohol and other drugs affect the human body and why a person should never drink and drive.
- c.Explain why new drivers are at a significantly higher risk of being involved in a collision.
- d.Explain why a driver who is fatigued or distracted should not operate a motor vehicle.
- 2
Do the following:
- a.Demonstrate how to wear a lap and shoulder belt properly.
- b.List five safety features found in motor vehicles besides occupant restraint systems.
- 3
Do the following: demonstrate how to check that all lights are operational, demonstrate how to check tire pressure, explain why proper tire tread depth is important, and explain issues that might affect a driver's ability to see.
- 4
Do the following: measure braking distances at various speeds, describe the difference in nighttime visibility, explain how color and shape are used to help road users recognize signs, and describe at least three examples of traffic laws that apply to both motor vehicles and bicyclists.
- 5
Do ONE of the following: interview a traffic law enforcement officer, write a personal traffic safety pledge, or initiate and organize an activity or event to demonstrate the importance of traffic safety.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Traffic Safety Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Traffic Safety, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Traffic Safety is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 11 Traffic Safety requirements for you.
Traffic Safety Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Traffic Safety merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Traffic Safety is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Traffic Safety merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Traffic Safety in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Traffic Safety merit badge?
Traffic Safety is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Traffic Safety can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Traffic Safety merit badge have?
Traffic Safety has 5 main requirements with 6 sub-requirements, for 11 items in total.
