Garmin Drivesmart 50 LMT without Smart Link??

Yes.

The DriveSmart 50 link states it is compatible with just one power/traffic receiver cable, the GTM 60:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/524667#accessories

I would have guessed that two options were possible, an FM-only and an HD traffic receiver. The GTM 60 does not require a paid subscription for use in North America.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/pn/010-01031-00

I do suggest that before buying one that you check the traffic coverage map to see that traffic is being provided to the areas you tend to drive in. The Smartphone Link app offers much more traffic coverage outside of cities.

If he bought the Unit new, he should have the correct cable.

https://coverage.here.com/hd-coverage.html
https://coverage.here.com/rds-coverage.html
https://www8.garmin.com/traffic/index.html

I have little luck with traffic. In major metro area of southern Ontario (GTHA) but not using original power cable. I also have back up camera BC30 and have to use that cable. Garmin says traffic should still work.

If I open Smart Link app, pull down to refresh, a minute later I will get traffic, BUT, it seems that down the road it will stop working and I'll get stuck in traffic. Only option on my iPhone Xr is data off or on while using. I have set to on while using but of course, screen shuts down.

This is wondering if I can drive without blue tooth on and does it have old style FM traffic while using the supplied power cord from BC30

I'm in a coverage area
https://i.postimg.cc/RC8nPrWq/screenshot-coverage-here-com-2...

As long as you are connected via Bluetooth to SmartLink, it will override FM Traffic. SmartLink data uses so little data that, unless you have 1GB or less of data, it should never run you out.

I drove from Virginia to Florida and back, and SmartLink used less that 200MB of data.