I don't think a 4 year old especially an Autistic one is going to be able to process the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt in a car crash. I don't think most nuerotypical kids will get that either. Many nuerotypical kids just obey and follow instructions. For a time we used a seatbelt lock that we found on Amazon.com. It slips over the seatbelt buckle and they simply can't get out. So while I think it's good to attempt to train them about the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt in a car crash, it's also important to protect the child from himself right now! :)

I agree with @A MyAutismTeam Member that he won't be able to understand the consequences. But I think he can understand the rules. There's two parts to teaching rules and getting kids to comply.
1. Reinforce them when you see them following the rules with something they like and use words that specifically tell them what they are doing right.
2. Have consequences when they break the rules. Try to have the consequences tie closely to what you are teaching. And again "briefly" tell them why. I always have a harder time with this.

You can also practice outside of the situation. So if the problem is getting out of his car seat. Go practice sitting nicely in his carseat when the car is just sitting in the driveway. Don't forget to reinforce the good behavior.

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