Monday, February 9, 2004
Contact: Leonardo Alcivar, 202-366-4570
DOT 13-04

U.S. Department of Transportation Statement
On Sanctions, Withholding Federal Funds
From States without Primary Safety Belt Laws


"The Bush Administration’s continuing efforts to increase local enforcement and education have boosted safety belt use to the highest level in U.S. history. The Administration opposes sanctions and withholding state funds, both of which would jeopardize important state-level safety programs and infrastructure maintenance programs already in place.

“The Administration is working hard to help pass primary safety belt laws throughout the country, and we’re seeing results. Twenty states and the District of Columbia already have primary laws. And many other states, including Florida, South Carolina, Ohio, Arizona and Virginia are currently considering primary laws -- with our help, not with mandates.

“The Administration calls on Senator Warner to join us in helping Virginia state legislators understand the need for a primary safety belt use law.”

Briefing Room