West Virginia Senate Passes Primary Seat Belt Bill

Drivers in West Virginia could be pulled over for not wearing a seat belt if Senate-passed legislation prevails this session.

Senators voted 27-5 this week to send the House the latest attempt by lawmakers to make this a primary offense.

While West Virginia requires seat belts, drivers can be cited for not wearing them only if they’ve been pulled over for something else.

The bill also changes the penalty to $15. The fine can now be up to $25.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says 30 states have made not wearing a seat belt a primary offense, including neighboring Kentucky and Maryland.

Supporters cite safety statistics to estimate that the bill would save 21 lives annually in West Virginia.