Politics & Government
Seatbelt Law Stays, Fine Drops. What Do You Think?
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.
But drivers will now face a $40 fine instead of the previously-set $85, and police must 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. All of East Providence's representatives voted for the bill.
On June 28, the Senate passed the bill, 27-10 for the renewal of the seatbelt law and reduction in fines. All of East Providence's senators voted in favor of the legislation.
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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