Primary Seat Belt Law Would Bring Federal Funds to Kansas

Kansas traffic safety officials have 11.2 million reasons for passing a primary seat law.

They want to remind people that’s how many extra federal dollars Kansas would get to spend on highways if the Legislature passed a primary seat belt law.

Currently, state law only permits officers to ticket someone for not wearing a seat belt if they are stopped for another violation such as speeding.

A primary seat belt law would allow officers to stop drivers simply for not wearing their seat belts.

The issue has come up in past years.

Supporters of the bill say it is a safety issue. Opponents say people ought to be allowed to decide for themselves whether to wear a seat belt.

Both sides agree that the issue is likely to come up when the 2010 legislative session begins next month.