Maine

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5/11/07-Gov. John Baldacci has signed a bill into law permitting police to pull over drivers in the state for not wearing their seat belts. Currently, police in the state can ticket drivers for not buckling up only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding or a bad taillight.
The new law, previously LD24, allows for primary enforcement of the state's seat-belt rule. A provision was added to the bill in the House that prohibits law enforcement from inspecting or searching vehicles and occupants solely because of failure to buckle up.
The stricter enforcement takes effect this summer. Violators will get off with warnings until April 1, 2008.
Once fully implemented, violators would face $50 fines for a first offense while repeat offenders would be responsible for $125 fines. All subsequent offenses would be $250 fines - the same amounts as existing state law.

5/1/07-The Senate has given final approval to a bill that would permit police to pull over drivers in the state for not wearing their seat belts. Currently, police in the state can ticket drivers for not buckling up only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding or a bad taillight.
The Senate voted 19-15 in favor of the bill to allow for primary enforcement of the state's seat-belt law after the House endorsed it on a 76-61 vote. Gov. John Baldacci is expected to sign it into law.
House lawmakers previously rejected the bill - LD24 - because of concerns about police action. Since then, a provision was added to prohibit law enforcement from inspecting or searching the driver or passengers solely because of failure to buckle up. The amended version also would require violators to get off with warnings until April 1, 2008.
Once fully implemented, violators would face $50 fines for a first offense while repeat offenders would be responsible for $125 fines. All subsequent offenses would be $250 fines - the same amounts as existing state law.
For bill status, call (207) 287-1692. In Maine, call 1-800-423-6900.

4/19/07-The Senate voted 21-13 to approve a bill that would permit police to pull over drivers in the state for not wearing their seat belts.
Currently, police in the state can ticket drivers for not buckling up only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding or a bad taillight.
LD24 would allow for primary enforcement of the state's seat-belt law. It now heads back to the House only weeks after they voted 70-67 to reject it.
Since then, a provision was added to prohibit law enforcement from inspecting or searching the driver or passengers solely because of failure to buckle up. Also included in the bill is a grace period of 12 months before citations could be issued.
Once fully implemented, violators would face $50 fines for a first offense while repeat offenders would be responsible for $125 fines. All subsequent offenses would be $250 fines - the same amounts as existing state law.
For bill status, call (207) 287-1692. In Maine, call 1-800-423-6900.

3/27/07-The House voted 70-67 against a measure that would permit police to pull over drivers in the state for not wearing their seat belts. However, additional consideration of the Senate-approved bill is expected.
Currently, police in the state can ticket drivers for not buckling up only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding or a bad taillight.
Sponsored by Sen. Christine Savage, R-Union, LD24 would allow for primary enforcement of the state's seat-belt law. Violators would face $50 fines for a first offense while repeat offenders would be responsible for $125 fines and all subsequent offenses would be $250 fines - the same amounts as existing state law.
For bill status, call (207) 287-1692. In Maine, call 1-800-423-6900.

2/23/07-A bill in the Joint Committee on Transportation would permit police to pull over drivers in the state for not wearing their seat belts.
Currently, police in the state can ticket drivers for not buckling up only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding or a bad taillight.
Sponsored by Sen. Christine Savage, R-Union, LD24 would allow for primary enforcement of the state's seat-belt law. Violators would face $50 fines for a first offense while repeat offenders would be responsible for $125 fines and all subsequent offenses would be $250 fines - the same amounts as existing state law.
For Senate bill status, call (207) 287-1692. In Maine, call 1-800-423-6900.