Politics & Government

RI Seatbelt Law Stays; Fine Drops

Drivers cited for the primary offense will be charged $40 instead of the prior $85.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee this week signed into law a continuance of the state's seatbelt statutes which make failure to buckle up a primary offense.

Drivers will now face a $40 fine instead of the previously-set $85, and police will be required to present a second offense [running a red light, for instance] as reason to search a car.

The prior law had been scheduled to sunset on June 30.

In late June, the state House of Representatives voted 67-4 to approve the bill.

Rep. Robert E. Craven, Sr. [D-Dist. 32] voted in favor, while Rep. Doreen Costa [R-Dist. 31] voted against the bill, according to unofficial tallies posted online.

On June 28, the Senate passed the bill, 27-10, with Sen. Dawson Hodgson [R-Dist. 35] voting for the renewal of the seatbelt law and reduction in fines.

Tell Us: What do you think about the seatbelt law continuing — although with lower fines? State legislators quoted Connecticut's example as proof that states can have first-offense seatbelt violations and increase safety — do you think this will happen in Rhode Island?
Have your say in the comments section below.


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