Number
041437
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. WITKOWSKI
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Intergovernmental Relations Division - Department of Administration to seek introduction and passage of state legislation relating to the enforcement of safety belt regulations.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Intergovernmental Relations Division - Department of Administration to seek introduction and passage of state legislation which would amend state law to establish primary enforcement of safety belt regulations, which would authorize law enforcement officers to stop and issue citations to motor vehicle operators for failing or refusing to wear safety belts, regardless of whether the operators have committed any other traffic violations. Currently, Wisconsin state law provides for secondary enforcement of safety belt regulations whereby law enforcement officers are authorized to issue citations related to violations of safety belt regulations only after having stopped motor vehicle operators for violations related to other traffic regulations.
Body
Whereas, Wisconsin state law provides that all operators of motor vehicles and all passengers over the age of 4 must wear safety belts, and children under 4 are required to be restrained in appropriate child safety restraints; and
Whereas, As of December 2003, 29 states, including Wisconsin, have secondary enforcement safety belt laws, whereby law enforcement officers are authorized to issue citations related to violations of safety belt regulations only after having stopped motor vehicle operators for violations related to other traffic regulations; and
Whereas, The District of Columbia and 20 states have primary enforcement safety belt laws, which authorizes law enforcement officers to stop and issue citations to motor vehicle operators for failing or refusing to wear safety belts, regardless of whether the operators have committed any other traffic violations; and
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