This bill aims to enhance the penalties for motor vehicle operators who fail to secure children in child passenger restraint systems or booster seats. The current penalty, which ranges from $50 to $75, is amended to impose a fine of $100 for a first offense. Additionally, if the defendant can demonstrate possession of a child passenger restraint system, the court will waive the fine for the first offense. For second or subsequent offenses, the fine is set to be no less than $250 and no more than $500.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a nonlapsing revolving fund known as the Division of Highway Traffic Safety Child Passenger Restraint System Assistance Fund, which will be administered by the State Treasurer. From the fines collected, $25 will be allocated to this fund, which is designated for purchasing child passenger restraint systems for distribution to individuals and organizations that maintain lending programs. The fund aims to promote the use of child passenger restraint systems and enhance child safety in vehicles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39:3-76.2