MI SB0341

Amends Michigan Vehicle Code Section 710e to add an exemption from seat belt requirements for newspaper carriers and individuals delivering advertising material or periodicals who make frequent stops (defined as at least 1 stop within every 1/2 mile of travel).

Maintains existing exemptions from seat belt requirements for vehicles manufactured before January 1, 1965; buses; motorcycles; mopeds; individuals with physician verification of medical inability to wear belts; and certain commercial or postal service vehicles making frequent stops.

Requires operators and front seat passengers to wear properly adjusted and fastened safety belts, with exceptions for children under 4 years (requiring child restraint systems per Section 710d) and children 4-8 years old under 4 feet 9 inches tall (requiring approved child restraint systems).

Establishes that failure to wear a safety belt constitutes a civil infraction and may be considered evidence of negligence reducing damages recovery by no more than 5% in motor vehicle liability cases.

Directs the Secretary of State to conduct a 3-year independent study on police harassment incidents resulting from enforcement of seat belt requirements, with reports due by June 30, 2001 and annually thereafter; specifies that no points shall be assessed for seat belt violations.