RI Seatbelt Law Stays with Lower Fine

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.

Drivers will now face a $40 fine instead of the previously-set $85, and police must to 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. Representatives Stephen M. Casey (D – Dist. 50, Woonsocket), Lisa Baldelli Hunt (D – Dist. 49, Woonsocket) and Robert D. Phillips (D – Dist. 51, Woonsocket) all voted in favor.

On June 28, the Senate passed the bill, 27-10 for the renewal of the seatbelt law and reduction in fines. Woonsocket Senators Marc A. Cote, (D-Dist. 24) and  Roger A. Picard (D-Dist. 20) voted against the measure.

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.