MS HB551

Requires all passengers in a motor vehicle to wear a properly fastened safety seat belt system while the vehicle is operated on any public road, street, or highway in Mississippi.

Applies to all operators, passengers, and children under seven years of age not already covered by child passenger restraint requirements, regardless of seating position.

Exempts farm vehicles, implements of husbandry, farm tractors, individuals with physician-verified medical reasons, rural postal workers and utility meter readers on duty, and buses.

Defines "passenger motor vehicle" as any motor vehicle designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers, excluding motorcycles, mopeds, all-terrain vehicles, and trailers.

Becomes effective July 1, 2013.