The state Senate has voted to make North Dakota’s seat belt law “primary enforcement.”
That means a driver can be stopped for not buckling up.
It’s currently “secondary enforcement,” in that you have to be stopped for another violation, and then can have another $25 tacked on for not buckling up.
"What's the value of this bill if it doesn't pass today? Nothing," said the bill's sponsor, Sen. Brad Bekkedahl (R-Williston). "What's the value of this bill if it does pass? To the family planning a welcome home for an accident survivor who wore a seat belt, instead of planning a funeral, priceless."
Sen. Mike Dwyer (R-Bismarck) told the Senate law enforcement officers are pleading with the Legislature to pass the bill.
"This is not about writing tickets," Dwyer said. "But they know, and we all know, that if we pass this bill, people will increase their use of seat belts, and it will save lives."
The bill requires everyone in a vehicle to wear seat belts. Current law only requires front-seat passengers to be buckled up.
The vote was 28 to 18 in favor of the bill. No one spoke against it on the Senate floor.
Unless it’s reconsidered, the measure will now go to the House.