The House has killed the bill that would make not buckling up a primary offense.
Right now, it’s a secondary offense – in that you have to be pulled over for another offense before you could be cited for not wearing your seat belt.
Opponents say North Dakota already has a high rate of buckling up – and they argued it’s a matter of personal responsibility.
"At its core, the assertion is, we are the property of the state," said Rep. Daniel Johnston (R-Kathryn). "It's as if we are to walk around with a government sign on our back that declares, 'Do Not Mutilate.'"
Johnston echoed what other opponents said.
“This is a personal accountability issue," Johnston said. "And it's also an education issue.”
Supporters argued the bill is a matter of safety – and injury prevention.
“It does affect other people in other cars," said Rep. Mark Owens (R-Grand Forks). "This is a pro-active approach to injury prevention.”
The bill failed on a 54 to 38 vote.
