Montana lawmakers debate primary seat belt law

HELENA – Supporters of a primary seat belt law told legislators that it would save both lives and money, while those opposed say such a requirement is not the appropriate role of government.

Lawmakers heard testimony Thursday on Senate Bill 9, which would allow law enforcement officers to pull people over for not wearing a seat belt. Currently, a person can be cited for not wearing a seat belt if they are pulled over for another traffic violation.

Supporters included family and friends of those who have died in crashes while not wearing seat belts, as well as doctors, Montana Highway Patrol troopers and other state officials.

Lee Newspapers of Montana reports Montana’s legislature has rejected a primary seat belt law several times and those opposed continued to argue such a law would infringe on their rights.

The Senate Judiciary Committee did not take any action on the bill.