Bill > SB117

This bill modifies Oklahoma's existing safety belt requirements by expanding the scope of who must wear a safety belt. The bill changes language from "Every" to "Any" operator and front seat passenger of commercial motor vehicles and passenger vehicles, and adds a new requirement that passengers aged 16 and younger in the back seat must also wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt system, unless they are in a child passenger restraint system. The bill maintains existing provisions for medical exemptions, which allow individuals with physician-documented medical reasons to obtain a driver's license restriction excusing them from the safety belt requirement. Additionally, the bill preserves existing provisions that limit fines for violations to $20, prevent the Department of Public Safety from assessing points for such violations, and allow municipalities to enact similar ordinances. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval, emphasizing the urgent public safety nature of the proposed changes. The key purpose appears to be enhancing overall vehicle passenger safety by expanding safety belt usage requirements.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb117&Session=2600