MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Transportation

By: Representative Holland

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-2-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE SCHOOL BUSES TO BE EQUIPPED WITH OPERABLE SAFETY BELTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 63-2-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-2-1. (1) Every operator and front-seat passenger of a passenger motor vehicle operated in forward motion on the highways of this state shall wear a properly fastened safety seat belt system, required to be installed in the vehicle when manufactured pursuant to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208. Children under the age of two (2) years shall be protected as required by Sections 63-7-301 through 63-7-313.

(2) "Passenger motor vehicle" for purposes of this chapter means a motor vehicle designed to carry ten (10) or fewer passengers but does not include motorcycles, mopeds, all-terrain vehicles or trailers.

(3) This section shall not apply to:

(a) Vehicles which may be registered for "farm" use, including "implements of husbandry" as defined in Section 63-21-5(d), and "farm tractors" as defined in Section 63-3-105(a).

(b) An operator or passenger possessing a written verification from a licensed physician that he is unable to wear a safety belt system for medical reasons.

(c) A passenger car operated by a rural letter carrier of the United States Postal Service or by a utility meter reader while on duty.

(4) Every school bus, as defined in Section 27-19-3(15), shall be equipped with operable safety belts.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1998.