H 2688
An Act establishing a primary seat belt law
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a primary seat belt law in Massachusetts, meaning that drivers and passengers can be ticketed for not wearing seat belts, regardless of whether the officer is observing a traffic violation. Currently, seat belt enforcement is generally considered a secondary offense, meaning it can only be enforced if an officer is witnessing another traffic infraction. This legislation aims to increase seat belt usage and improve road safety across the state.
Key provisions
- Allows law enforcement to issue citations for not wearing a seat belt.
- Makes seat belt use enforceable as a primary offense.
- Applies to all drivers and passengers in motor vehicles.
- Aims to increase seat belt usage rates.
- Part of the Public Safety and Homeland Security committee.
- Related to similar bills proposing seat belt laws.
- Scheduled for a hearing on April 9, 2025.
Who is affected
- Drivers
- Passengers
- Law enforcement officers
- Motor vehicle occupants
- The general public
Notable changes
- Shifts seat belt enforcement from secondary to primary.
- Expands the scope of seat belt laws in Massachusetts.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Jeffrey N. Roy
Cosponsors
Brian W. Murray
David Paul Linsky
James B. Eldridge
Jeffrey N. Roy
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Bill H.2688 194th (Current)
An Act establishing a primary seat belt law
By Representatives Roy of Franklin and McMurtry of Dedham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2688) of Jeffrey N. Roy, Paul McMurtry and others relative to establishing a primary seat belt law. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenters: Jeffrey N. Roy , Paul McMurtry
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.2688
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 4/7/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 04/09/2025 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM in A-1 & A-2 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/19/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5254 (under House Rule 27) |
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