5/27/04-A similar bill to SB3098 to permit police to pull over drivers who are not buckled up has been forwarded to Gov. Phil Bredesen.
If signed into law, that bill – HB3104 – would take effect July 1.

4/8/04-The Senate Transportation Committee passed a bill April 7 that would permit police to pull over drivers who are not buckled up.
Currently, police can issue seat-belt citations to drivers older than age 17 only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.
However, such violations are a primary offense for anyone 17 and younger who is not belted.
Under the proposal, sponsored by Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, drivers found in violation would be fined $20, up from the current $10 fine. No points would be assessed against the driver’s license.
SB3098 now heads to the Senate Finance Committee. For bill status, call (615) 741-3511.

4/7/04-Drivers caught not wearing their seat belts could be pulled over under a bill in the Senate Transportation Committee.
SB3098, sponsored by Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, would permit police to pull over drivers who are not buckled up. Currently, police can ticket drivers older than age 17 only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.
However, such violations are a primary offense for anyone 17 and younger who is not belted.
Under the bill, the fine would be $20, up from the current $10 fine.
An officer would still be prohibited from executing a continued arrest of any person solely for violation of the seat belt law.
For bill status, call (615) 741-3511.
A similar House bill – HB2952 – is before the House Transportation Committee.