MO HB976

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 less than eighteen years of age operating or riding in trucks, and requires drivers transporting children under sixteen years of age to secure them in proper restraints under section 307.179.

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

Establishes violation as an infraction with a maximum fine of ten dollars, no court costs, and no points assessed against the driver's license; prohibits failure to wear a safety belt from being considered evidence of comparative negligence in civil actions.

Allows failure to wear a safety belt to mitigate damages only if expert evidence proves the failure contributed to injuries, with damages reduction capped at one percent after any comparative negligence reductions.