Joomla Login LightBox powered by WowJoomla.com

In Kansas, seat belts could soon be required for all vehicle passengers, and 16-year-old drivers might have to complete a year-long learner’s permit requirement before getting their driver’s licenses.

The Kansas Senate recently approved a seat belt bill, by a vote of 23-17, for drivers and all passengers, and has sent it to the Kansas House of Representatives. If enacted, it would make failure to wear seat belt restraints a primary offense. That means law enforcement officers could stop and cite a driver for no other reason than one of the passengers failing to buckle his or her seat belt. The bill would also reduce the fine to $25 from the current $30, but it would add court costs, which can amount to $75.

Also, they wouldn’t be allowed to use cell phones, pagers, or any form of wireless communication while driving for the first six months.

Penalties for violation would range from license suspension for 30 days to a year’s suspension for three or more violations.

Similar bills had been introduced before, but none survived long, said Deb Miller Kansas Secretary of Transportation.

“These bills have never made it this far, and I’m asking legislators to take the necessary steps to make both of them laws,” Miller said. “Between these two measures, we can protect our most vulnerable drivers, save lives and qualify for millions of dollars from the federal government.”

 TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed