Tougher Seat Belt Bill Heads To Sanford's Desk; Veto Expected

Governor Says Bill Isn't Tough Enough

POSTED: 11:43 am EDT June 1, 2005

UPDATED: 11:57 am EDT June 1, 2005

COLUMBIA -- A tougher seat belt bill is headed to Gov. Mark Sanford, but he's expected to veto the legislation.

SURVEY

A primary seat belt law that would allow officers to pull over drivers and fine them $25 for not wearing their seat belts is heading to Gov. Mark Sanford's desk. But Sanford says he'll veto the bill because it's not tough enough. What do you think?

I'm with Sanford -- the bill needs tougher penalties

I'm with the General Assembly -- the bill is good as it stands

I'm with those who don't think it should be a primary offense.

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The House adopted a compromise Wednesday that had been worked out in conference committee with the Senate.

The seat belt bill closes a perceived gap in state law. Currently, adult drivers can be ticketed for failing to buckle up only if they have been stopped for another traffic offense.

The proposed law would raise the seat belt law to a primary offense, which would allow drivers to be pulled over for not using a seat belt.

The compromise sets a $25 fine for seat belt offenses.

Sanford is disappointed the offenses cannot be reported to insurance companies.

He also wanted a bill that allowed a conviction for failing to buckle up to be a factor in injury lawsuits and to cost scofflaws more on their car insurance.