2/2/06-Gov. Frank Murkowski has signed a bill into law permitting police to pull over drivers not wearing their seat belts.
Existing state law limits police from issuing seat-belt citations to drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding.
The new rule creates a primary law for seat-belt enforcement and brings the state in line to claim additional federal highway funding.
Violators would face a $60 fine – the same as existing state law.
The new law, previously SB87, applies only on highways and qualifies the state for $3.7 million in one-time federal grant money for roads.

1/19/06-The Legislature has approved a bill that would permit police to pull over drivers not wearing their seat belts.
Currently, police in the state can issue seat-belt citations to drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding.
Sponsored by Sen. Con Bunde, R-Anchorage, SB87 would create a primary law for seat-belt enforcement. Violators would face a $60 fine – the same as current state law.
It now heads to Gov. Frank Murkowski for his signature. For bill status, call (907) 465-4648.