5/7/09-Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law a bill Wednesday, May 6, that permits police to pull over drivers for not buckling up.
Currently, police in Florida can ticket drivers for not buckling up only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding or a bad taillight. When the new law takes effect June 30, law enforcement will no longer need another reason for stopping drivers and issuing $30 fines for failure to wear seat belts.

5/4/09-The Florida Legislature has approved a bill that would permit police to pull over drivers for not buckling up. S344 now moves to Gov. Charlie Crist for his signature.
Currently, police in Florida can ticket drivers for not buckling up only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding or a bad taillight. Once it is signed into law by the governor, law enforcement would not need another reason for stopping drivers and issuing $30 fines for failure to wear seat belts.

12/15/08-Sen. Nan Rich, D-Sunrise, has prefiled a bill for the 2009 session that would make failure to buckle up a primary offense.
S344 would permit police to pull over drivers in the state for not wearing their seat belts. Existing state law allows police to pull over drivers for not buckling up only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding or a bad taillight.
The 2005 federal highway funding legislation gives any state that adopts tougher seat-belt rules one-time grant money. The last chance for states to upgrade their seat belt law and access extra federal funding is Sept. 30, 2009.
Rich’s bill can be considered during the session that begins in March. An identical bill – HB1 – also has been offered.
For bill status, call 850-488-4371. In Florida, call 800-342-1827.