MO HB713

Requires drivers and front seat passengers of passenger cars manufactured after January 1, 1968 to wear properly adjusted and fastened safety belts meeting federal standards, with exceptions for U.S. Postal Service employees performing delivery duties and persons with physician-documented medical reasons.

Applies safety belt requirements to persons under 18 years of age operating or riding in trucks, and requires drivers transporting children under 16 years of age to secure them in proper restraints under section 307.179.

Exempts motor vehicles used in agricultural work-related activities and prohibits law enforcement from stopping, inspecting, or detaining vehicles solely to check safety belt compliance.

Violation of safety belt requirements is an infraction with a maximum fine of $10, no court costs, and no points assessed against the driver's license.

Limits the use of failure to wear a safety belt as evidence in civil damages cases to mitigating damages by no more than one percent only if expert evidence proves the failure to wear a belt contributed to the plaintiff's injuries.