HOUSE BILL NO. 329

INTRODUCED BY R. CLARK

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT MAKING THE VIOLATION OF THE SEATBELT LAW A STANDARD VIOLATION; AND AMENDING SECTION 61-13-103, MCA."

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

Section 1. Section 61-13-103, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-13-103. Seatbelt use required -- exceptions. (1) A driver may not operate a motor vehicle upon a highway of the state of Montana unless each occupant of a designated seating position is wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt.

(2) The provisions of this section do not apply to:

(a) an occupant of a motor vehicle who possesses a written statement from a licensed physician that the occupant is unable to wear a seatbelt for medical reasons;

(b) an occupant of a motor vehicle in which all seatbelts are being used by other occupants;

(c) an operator of a motorcycle as defined in 61-1-105 or a motor-driven cycle as defined in 61-1-106;

(d) an occupant of a vehicle licensed as special mobile equipment as defined in 61-1-104;

(e) children subject to the provisions of 61-9-420; or

(f) an occupant who makes frequent stops with a motor vehicle as part of the occupant's official job duties and who may be exempted by the department.

(3) The department may adopt rules to implement subsection (2)(f).

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