For those who need the specifics. The new Rhode Island primary seat
belt law, H.B. 5449 only applies to vehicles that are required to have
seat belts under federal law. ( Gen. Law 31-22-22 (f)(2) & (g)(2)).
Federal Law requires vehicles built after January 1, 1968 to have seat
belts. See National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Act),
80 Stat. 718, 15 U. S. C. '1381 et seq. (recodified without substantive
change at 49 U. S. C. '30101 et seq. The implementing regulations are
found at 49 CFR '571.208.
The new Rhode Island law only changed whether the police could pull a
driver over for a seat belt violation only without the driver first
violating another traffic law. It expires in 2013 unless renewed by the
legislature.
On a personal viewpoint. To all those who denigrate lawyers, lawsuits,
and safety regulations, I recommend that they watch the documentary "Hot
Coffee". And please wear your seat belts. Your family will be glad
that you did.
--
Robert Guinness
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Mgs@autox.team.net
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