2/26/04-A bill to toughen enforcement of Virginia’s seat belt bill has been withdrawn from consideration until next year.
Del. Joe T. May, R-Leesburg, asked the House Transportation Committee to carry over the bill.
HB540 would permit police to pull over drivers who are not buckled up. Currently, police can ticket drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.
The fine for not buckling up is $25. That amount wouldn’t have changed under HB540.

1/23/04-Drivers caught not wearing their seat belts could be pulled over under legislation in the House Transportation Committee.
Del. Joe T. May, R-Leesburg, has introduced a bill that would permit police to pull over drivers who are not buckled up. Currently, police can ticket drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.
The fine for not buckling up is $25. That amount would not change under HB540.
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.
In Virginia, that could translate into $13.8 million.
For House bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.