SCS/SB 647 - This act revises the law regarding seat belt usage and child restraint systems.

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. The act 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 secured in a child passenger restraint system or a child booster seat. Children 8 years of age or older, or children who are at least 80 pounds, must use a safety belt.

WAIVER OF PENALTY - A person may escape the $25 penalty by demonstrating that the person obtained a child safety seat prior to or at his or her hearing which is satisfactory to the court or the party responsible for prosecuting the violator's citation.

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

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

This act has an effective date of January 1, 2003.

This act is substantially similar to SB 549 (2001).
STEPHEN WITTE