FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS!
New law will allow law enforcement officers to
pull over unbelted drivers

The Maine House of Representatives gave final passage on April 25th to a bill that will make failure to wear a seatbelt a primary offense, and allow law enforcement officers to pull over unbelted drivers.

The House originally voted against the measure, but chose to approve the bill after a Senate amendment was attached requiring that violators only receive a warning if they’re pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt before April 1, 2008, and prohibiting searches of vehicles and occupants solely because of a violation of the seat belt law.

The bill passed the House with a vote of 76-61. Once the Senate gives final approval, the bill will go to Governor Baldacci to sign it into law.