The bill proposes the repeal of existing laws that mandate the use of safety belts for adult occupants in motor vehicles while in forward motion. Specifically, it seeks to eliminate the requirements outlined in sections 32-38-1, 32-38-2, 32-38-3, 32-38-4, and 32-38-5 of South Dakota law. This includes the removal of stipulations that require operators and front seat passengers to wear safety belts, as well as definitions of what constitutes a passenger vehicle and exceptions to the safety belt requirement.

Additionally, the bill removes provisions that state non-compliance with safety belt laws does not constitute contributory negligence and cannot be used as evidence in civil or criminal litigation, as well as the stipulation that enforcement of these laws is a secondary action for law enforcement agencies. By repealing these sections, the bill effectively eliminates the legal framework surrounding safety belt usage for adult occupants in vehicles, thereby allowing individuals to choose whether or not to wear a safety belt without legal repercussions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/16/2025: 32-38-1, 32-38-2, 32-38-3, 32-38-4, 32-38-5