ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HB 2268: seat belts; primary enforcement

PRIME SPONSOR: Representative Thorpe, LD 6

BILL STATUS: Transportation & Infrastructure

Abstract

Relating to seat belt requirements.

Provisions

1. Expands seat belt requirement from passengers under 16 years old or riding in the front seat to all occupants while the vehicle is in motion. (Sec. 1)

2. Allows a peace officer to issue a citation for not wearing a seat belt as a primary offense. (Sec. 1)

3. Prohibits a peace officer from issuing a citation for not wearing a seat belt to a person operating a farm vehicle unless another violation has occurred. (Sec. 1)

4. Requires ADOT to notify the public of law enforcement's ability to stop and issue a citation for not wearing a seat belt. (Sec. 1)

5. Requires the notification to be shown periodically on existing electronic signs until July 31, 2019 and be placed on permanently affixed signs along the Arizona interstate. (Sec. 1)

6. Defines farm vehicle. (Sec. 1)

7. Makes a conforming change. (Sec. 1)

Current Law

A front seat occupant and all occupants under the age of 16 of a motor vehicle manufactured after 1972 must have the lap and shoulder belt properly adjusted and fastened while the vehicle is in motion.  A peace officer is prohibited from stopping or issuing a citation to a person operating the vehicle for a seat belt violation unless another motor vehicle violation has occurred (A.R.S. § 28-909).

A farm vehicle is defined as a vehicle or a vehicle combination used for commercial farming or stock raising, transporting agricultural products, machinery or supplies (A.R.S. § 28-2514).

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Fifty-third Legislature                  HB 2268

Second Regular Session                               Version 1: Transportation & Infrastructure

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