Minn. Senate votes to get tough on teenage and unbelted drivers

04/28/2008

Associated Press | April 28, 2008


The Minnesota Senate wants to get serious with new teenage drivers and those who get behind the wheel without buckling up.

The Senate has given preliminary approval to a transportation policy bill that imposes a curfew and passenger limits on newly licensed teen drivers.

The bill would also allow police to pull over unbelted drivers, something they can't do now without another probable violation.

Senator Steve Murphy says his bill would make Minnesota roads safer.

But Senator David Tomassoni (tahm-ah-SOH'-nee) says the seat belt provision would give police too much power and parents should make the rules for teenage drivers.

The bill would also require booster seats for children under age 8 and more oversight of school bus drivers.