NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State lawmakers have been considering proposed legislation that would increase the fine drivers would pay for not wearing their seatbelts.
The bill was talked about Wednesday in the House Transportation subcommittee of the Tennessee General Assembly.
Republican sponsor Representative Tony Shipley from Kingsport said there were 65,000 seatbelt violations in 2012. Officials also attributed 400 deaths to not wearing seatbelts last year.
Shipley said his bill would increase the fine for a first offense from just $10 to $50. A second offense would cost $75.
"It is proven in studies across the United States that increasing the fine effects people's judgment on whether or not to wear a seatbelt," he said.
Shipley said he wanted to earmark the extra money generated by the extra fines to child advocacy groups who represent abused children in the courtroom.
The first vote on the bill could come next week.
