5/17/04-A bill that would have permitted police to pull over drivers for not buckling up has died.
HB1200, sponsored by Rep. Robert Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, remained in the House Transportation and Motor Vehicles Committee at close of the session May 14.
Under current law, police can issue seat-belt citations only if they stop drivers for another traffic violation.
The bill would have allowed police to pull over drivers if they are not wearing a seat belt. Under the proposal, drivers found in violation could be fined $25.
Current law only permits a $10 fine.

2/12/04-The House Transportation and Motor Vehicles Committee is reviewing a bill that would permit police to pull over drivers for not buckling up.
Under current law, police can issue seat-belt citations only if they stop drivers for another traffic violation.
HB1200, sponsored by Rep. Robert Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, would allow police to pull over drivers if they are not wearing a seat belt. Under the proposal, drivers found in violation could be fined $25.
Current law only permits a $10 fine.
If signed into law, the regulation would put the state in line for additional funding from the federal government.
An incentive program recently introduced in Congress encourages states to increase seat-belt enforcement. The program would give states three years to enact a primary seat-belt law or reach a rate of usage of at least 90 percent.
Failure to do one or the other would result in a loss of up to 4 percent of federal highway funds to the state.
For House bill status, call (573) 751-4043.

1/28/04-Rep. Robert Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, has introduced a measure that would permit police to pull over drivers for not buckling up.
Under current law, police can issue seat-belt citations only if they stop drivers for another traffic violation.
HB1200 would allow police to pull over drivers if they are not wearing a seat belt. Under the proposal, drivers found in violation could be fined $25.
Current law only permits a $10 fine.
If signed into law, the regulation would put the state in line for additional funding from the federal government.
An incentive program recently introduced in Congress encourages states to increase seat-belt enforcement. The program would give states three years to enact a primary seat-belt law or reach a rate of usage of at least 90 percent.
Failure to do one or the other would result in a loss of up to 4 percent of federal highway funds to the state.
The bill has yet to be forwarded to a committee for consideration. For House bill status, call (573) 751-4043.