Federal officials said Monday that highway deaths last year were the lowest in almost 50 years, and tougher seat-belt laws were one factor.
The news came two days before New Hampshire – the only state without a law requiring adults to wear seat belts – considers passing one. The House votes on it Wednesday.
Violators would pay $50 for a first offense and $100 for each subsequent offense. It’s a primary bill, meaning police could stop cars solely to enforce the law.
Passengers in large vehicles such as buses and drivers making frequent stops for work would be exempt from the law, as well as passengers with certain medical conditions.