SCS/SB 549 - This act makes various revisions to the child passenger restraints and seat belt laws regarding minors.

DEFINITIONS - The act adds the definitions of "child booster seat", "child passenger restraint system", and "driver", to Section 210.104, RSMo.

USE OF CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM/BOOSTER SEAT - This act requires children less than 4 years old, regardless of weight, or children weighing less than 40 pounds, regardless of age, to use an appropriate child passenger restraint system. It also requires children at least 4 years of age but less than 8 years of age or who weigh 40 pounds to 80 pounds to be restrained in a properly secured child booster seat.

PENALTY INCREASE - This act increases the penalty from "not more than $25" to "not more than $100" for persons, who upon conviction, are found in violation of the child passenger restraint law (Section 210.104). A person may escape the penalty by demonstrating that the person obtained a child safety seat prior to or at his or her hearing.

TWO POINTS - Anyone failing to properly restrain a child pursuant to child pursuant to section 210.104 shall be assessed 2 points on their driver's license (Section 302.302).

RENTAL AGENCIES - This act requires car rental agencies doing business in Missouri to inform customers of the requirements of Section 210.104, RSMo, and to provide an appropriate child passenger safety restraint system for rental.

This act requires each driver of a motor vehicle who transports a child more than 4 years old but less than 16 years old to secure the child in a properly adjusted and fastened restraint appropriate for the child's age and weight (Section 307.178).

SHORTAGE OF SEAT BELTS - If there are more persons than there are seat belts in the car, then the passengers must sit in the back unless the vehicle is designed only for a front-seated area.

EFFECTIVE DATE - January 1, 2002.

This act is similar to HB 708 (2001).
STEPHEN WITTE