The bill amends Section 49-673 of the Idaho Code, which pertains to the use of safety restraints in motor vehicles. It stipulates that all occupants of vehicles weighing not more than 8,000 pounds must wear safety restraints while the vehicle is in motion, with certain exceptions for individuals with medical exemptions, motorcycle riders, and specific vehicle operators such as mail carriers. The bill also outlines the penalties for violations, including a $10 fine for occupants aged 18 and older who fail to wear a safety restraint, as well as for operators of vehicles with underage occupants not wearing restraints. Importantly, enforcement of this law can only occur as a secondary action when a driver is already being detained for another violation.

Additionally, the bill includes a significant change regarding the legal implications of not using a safety restraint. It states that failure to use a safety restraint will not be considered evidence of contributory or comparative negligence in civil actions, thereby protecting injured parties' rights to claim damages. The bill also mandates the Department of Transportation to conduct educational programs on safety restraint use and evaluate the effectiveness of these provisions, with findings reported annually. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, due to an emergency declaration.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 49-673