A vehicle in the Meadow Lodge Parking Lot was stopped by IUS Police on March 10 and was given a warning for not properly using a seat belt and using a cell phone while operating a vehicle.
Indiana and Kentucky state law enforcement officers are cracking down on drivers violating the rules of the road.
Seat belt laws have been enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation since 1984 and have been changed and revised resulting in the installment of primary and secondary seat belt laws in many states.
As of March, 30 states have a primary seat belt law, which means law enforcement officers have the right to cite a driver for not wearing a seat belt without any other traffic offense taking place.
Nineteen states have a secondary law, which means law enforcement officers may issue a citation for not wearing a seat belt only when there is another citable traffic infraction, such as speeding.
New Hampshire is the only state with neither a primary or secondary law for adults.
Kentucky and Indiana both have primary seat belt laws that require everyone in a vehicle to have a seat belt on, and a citation can be given if the law is broken.
“A few short years ago, seat belt violations were a secondary offense in Kentucky,” David Jude, Kentucky State Police Lieutenant, said. “Now seat belt laws are a primary violation, and we can stop you for the seat belt itself instead of having to rely on it being a secondary offense.”
The fine for a seat belt citation is $25 in both Indiana and Kentucky for each passenger who is not wearing a seat belt.
“Every occupant in a vehicle has to be in some sort of restraint,” Todd Bailey, New Albany Police Department Sergeant, said. “The driver of those passengers not wearing a seat belt is subject to a $25 fine for each occupant in the car.”
Students on campus are subject to safety belt violations if caught without wearing a seat belt. IUS Police enforcement has the right to distribute citations for not wearing a seat belt when operating a vehicle.
“Citations for not wearing a seat belt can be given because it’s a violation of state law,” Charles Edelen, IUS Police chief, said. “This happens very infrequently on campus because most people today use their seat belt.”
With the growing popularity of texting, state governments are working on passing laws to stop the use of driving and using a cell phone.
“There is a new law in Indiana for juveniles ages 16 to 18 which prohibits them from using their cell phones while driving, and it will go into effect July 1,” Bailey said.
Despite efforts for bills to be passed, there is no current law for either Kentucky or Indiana that prohibits the use of cell phones while driving.
“There have been numerous attempts and every one of them has failed with the Indiana State legislature,” Bailey said. “For some reason they have not agreed to pass legislation concerning cell phones and texting.”
There are no laws prohibiting cell phone use, it is possible to be pulled over and cited for careless driving that may involve a driver using a cell phone.
“As of right now, careless or reckless driving is the only possibility that can affect drivers concerning talking and texting on a cell phone,” Jude said. “If the attention of the operator is so engrossed in texting or a phone conversation that causes them to be driving recklessly or become a danger, we can stop and cite you for wreckless driving.”
By NIKOLETTE LANGDON
Staff Writer
nlangdon@umail.iu.edu