CT HB07196

Removes the "front seat" restriction on seat belt requirements, extending the requirement to all passengers in motor vehicles and fire fighting apparatus equipped with compliant seat belts, effective October 1, 2019.

Eliminates the requirement that operators under 18 years of age and their passengers must wear seat belts while operating on any highway.

Maintains existing exceptions for children under 8 years old (who must use appropriate child restraints), passengers 8-15 years old (who must be secured by the operator), and persons with medical documentation of physical disability preventing seat belt use.

Adds exemptions for buses as defined in 49 USC 30127 and vehicles manufactured prior to January 1, 1968.

Prohibits law enforcement from using failure to wear a seat belt as probable cause to search a private passenger motor vehicle or vanpool vehicle, effective October 1, 2019.