New Seat Belt Law Passed
Yesterday, Governor Charlie Crist signed into law a primary seat belt enforcement measure. It took 20 years to get this law passed.
The new law will allow police officers to pull over drivers who are not wearing seat belts and issue tickets for as much as $120. Prior to the passage of this law, drivers could only get tickets for not wearing seat belts if they were pulled over for some other infraction. The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2009. In addition, by passing this law, Florida may qualify for a one-time $35.5 million federal grant.