Bill > H4105

This bill amends Section 13A of Chapter 90 of the General Laws, which pertains to safety belt usage, by increasing the fines for violations. Specifically, it establishes that a first offense for operating a vehicle without a safety belt or for a passenger aged 16 or older not wearing one will result in a written warning. However, for a second or subsequent offense, the driver will face a $25 fine, while a passenger aged 16 or older will be fined $10. Additionally, the operator of a vehicle will incur an extra $10 fine for each passenger under 16 (but at least 12 years old) who is not wearing a safety belt. The bill clarifies that these safety belt violations will not lead to increased motor vehicle insurance premiums and that law enforcement cannot search a vehicle or its occupants solely based on a safety belt infraction.