Senate Bill No. 55, introduced by Senator Stine, aims to clarify the proper way to wear a safety belt in passenger vehicles, including cars, vans, SUVs, and trucks with a gross weight of 26,000 pounds or less. The bill amends R.S. 32:295.1(A)(1) by specifying that the safety belt must be "properly fastened and worn across both the lap and shoulder as designed," and explicitly states that it should not be placed behind the body or under the arm. This amendment is intended to enhance safety by ensuring that seatbelts are used correctly.

The bill also notes that the seatbelt requirements do not apply to vehicles manufactured prior to January 1, 1981. The proposed changes will take effect on August 1, 2026. Overall, this legislation seeks to improve compliance with safety belt regulations and reduce the risk of injury in the event of a vehicle accident.

Statutes affected:
SB55 Original: 32:1(A)(1)