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Seatbelt Laws in Utah
Current v. Proposed
This is an overview comparison of current Utah seatbelt law and Senate Bill 6, as ammended by the Transportation Interim Committee on 2/2/99.
For the original proposal from the State Health Department, click here.
- Use Required
Current Utah Law
All children younger than age 2 must be restrained with a child restraint device.
All children age 2 to 10 must be restrained with a child restraint device or a seat belt.
All front seat occupants must wear a seat belt.
SB 6 Recommendation
All children younger than age 4 must be restrained with a child restraint device.
All children age 4 to 16 must be restrained with a child restraint device or a seat belt.
All vehicle occupants must wear a seat belt.
- Enforcement
Current Utah Law
Primary offense for child restraint law (primary means an officer can stop you and cite you for this violation).
Secondary offense for all others (secondary means an officer cannot stop you for this violation, but can cite you for it if you are stopped for another offense).
SB 6 Recommendation
Primary offense for all violations.
- Fine
Current Utah Law
$75 for child restraint law.
$10 for all others.
SB 6 Recommendation
$45 maximum.
- Responsible Party
Current Utah Law
Driver for child restraint law.
Driver for front seat passengers younger than 18 years of age.
Each 18 year old occupant in the front seat.
SB 6 Recommendation
Driver for all passengers younger than 16 years of age.
Each 16 year old occupant.
- Exceptions
Current Utah Law
Emergency vehicles
Taxicabs
Rural letter carriers
Pick-up and delivery vehicles
Commercial vehicles 10,000 pounds or more
Commercial vehicles designed to transport more than 15 occupants
SB 6 Recommendation
Vehicle made before July 1, 1966
Unable to wear belt for physical or medical reasons-- physician's note required
Vehicle or seating position exempted by federal law
- Comparative Negligence
Current Utah Law
May not be considered.
SB 6 Recommendation
No change.
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