3/23/04-A bill in the House Roads and Transportation Committee that would permit police to pull over drivers for failure to wear a seat belt has died.
The bill, sponsored by Delegate Jody Smirl, R-Huntington, remained in committee at the close of the legislative session that ended March 11. HB2202 would permit police to pull over drivers if they are not buckled up.
Under current law, police can issue seat-belt citations only if they stop drivers for another traffic violation.

1/23/04-A bill in the House Roads and Transportation Committee would permit police to pull over drivers for failure to wear a seat belt.
Under current law, police can issue seat-belt citations only if they stop drivers for another traffic violation.
The bill, sponsored by Delegate Jody Smirl, R-Huntington, calls for permitting police to pull over drivers if they are not buckled up. Under HB2202, drivers found in violation could be fined $25.
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.
West Virginia is one of about 30 states without a primary seat-belt law.
For House bill status, call (304) 340-3209.
A similar bill – SB91 – is in the Senate Transportation Committee.