32-38-1. Use required–Public highways–Front seat passenger. Except as provided in chapter 32-37 and §32-38-3, every operator and front seat passenger of a passenger vehicle operated on a public highway in this state shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety seat belt system, required to be installed in the passenger vehicle when manufactured pursuant to […]
32-38-2. Passenger vehicle defined. For the purposes of this chapter, a passenger vehicle is any self-propelled vehicle intended primarily for use and operation on the public highways including any passenger car, station wagon, van, taxicab, emergency vehicle, motor home, truck, or pickup. The term does not include any motorcycle, motor scooter, motor bicycle, electric bicycle, […]
32-38-3. Exceptions to required use of safety belts. The provisions of §32-38-1 do not apply to: (1)Any occupant of a passenger vehicle manufactured before September 1, 1973; (2)Any occupant of a passenger vehicle who possesses a written statement from a doctor licensed under chapter 36-4 or 36-5 that the individual is unable for medical reasons […]
32-38-4. Failure to comply–Evidence. Failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter does not constitute contributory negligence, comparative negligence, or assumption of the risk. Failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter may not be introduced as evidence in any criminal litigation other than a prosecution under this chapter or in any civil […]
32-38-5. Enforcement–Violation as petty offense. Enforcement of this chapter by state or local law enforcement agencies shall be accomplished as a secondary action. A violation of this chapter is a petty offense. Source: SL 1994, ch 266, §5.
