Bill > H2395

This bill establishes a primary seat belt law in Massachusetts. The key provisions are: 1) It imposes a $50 fine on any person who operates a motor vehicle or rides as a passenger 16 years of age or older without wearing a safety belt. An additional $50 fine is imposed on the operator for each unbelted passenger under 16 but at least 12 years old. 2) The seat belt law will be enforced by law enforcement, but violations will not result in surcharges on motor vehicle insurance premiums, and police officers cannot search or inspect a vehicle solely due to a seat belt violation. 3) Fees from primary seat belt citations will be deposited in the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund. 4) The law will take effect 180 days after the bill's effective date.