This publication reports the status of State statutes that concern occupant protection (for highway-use vehicles). Such laws require the use of (1) safety belts, (2) child passenger restraint devices and (3) motorcycle or bicycle helmets. Also included are laws that prohibit riding in the bed of a pick-up truck. Except as noted, the status of the State laws reported is as of January 1, 2003. This publication is divided into three areas: (1) Introduction; (2) Summary Table; and (3) a State by State Analysis. The State by State Analysis is organized by jurisdiction and then by specific legal topics. The State by State Analysis includes code and, where needed, case law citations; these will aid individuals conducting additional research in this area of the law. The State by State Analysis can be used to facilitate the comparison of State laws in the subject areas. The Appendix, using the State by State Analysis format, gives the Uniform Vehicle Code's provisions on vehicle occupant protection.
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