The Virginia Senate has approved a bill that would make failure to wear a safety belt a primary traffic offense.
The vote was 24-16 on Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Sen. Harry Blevins, R-Chesapeake.
Motorists are currently required to safety belts, but can only be ticketed for the offense if they are pulled over in relation to another violation. Blevins' bill would allow officers to pull over and ticket motorists who drive without wearing a safety belt.
Blevins, a former high school principal, argued passionately in committee for the passage of the legislation, saying it would save lives and protect motorists, especially teens.
Opponents of the bill suggested it would give police the ability to pull over motorists without justifiable cause. Law enforcement, insurance and motor vehicle lobbies also supported the legislation, which now heads to the House of Delegates.
Senators also passed a key piece of legislation that could offer an alternative to localities desperate to raise additional revenues amid reduced funding from the state budget.
Senate Bill 280, sponsored by Sen. Frederick M. Quayle, R-Chesapeake, would give counties the option of voting on their local boards to increase the tax charged on meals, currently capped at 4 percent.
The measure passed 25-15 and now heads to the House.
-- Jim Nolan
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