3/10/04-A bill in the House to permit police to pull over drivers who are not buckled up will have to wait until next year.
The seat-belt legislation died after the March 9 deadline for House and Senate committees to report out bills and constitutional amendments originating in their chambers.
HB578, which sought to create a primary law for seat-belt enforcement, remained in the House Transportation Committee at the deadline.
Under current law, police can ticket drivers and passengers for seat-belt violations only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.

1/27/04-HB578 would permit police to pull over drivers who are not buckled up.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. John Reeves, R-Jackson, would create a primary law for seat-belt enforcement. Currently, police can ticket drivers and passengers for seat-belt violations only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.
Under the proposal, an unbelted driver could be fined $25 and a front-seat passenger or child would cost the driver another $25. No points would be assessed on the driver’s license.
The bill has been forwarded to the House Transportation Committee. For bill status, call (601) 359-3719.
An identical bill – HB163 – is also in the House Transportation Committee.