Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is pushing to make not wearing a seatbelt a primary offense. This change aims to reduce traffic fatalities. Currently, Ohio’s seatbelt law is secondary, meaning officers can only ticket for it alongside another violation. However, DeWine’s proposal could save lives by increasing seatbelt use.
Current Law and Its Limitations
Ohio’s seatbelt law allows fines of $30 for drivers and $20 for passengers. Yet, it’s a secondary offense. Officers cannot stop drivers solely for not buckling up. Consequently, Ohio’s seatbelt usage rate is only 85%, far below the national average of 91.2%. In 2024, 64% of crash fatalities involved unbelted individuals. These statistics highlight the need for change.
Why a Primary Offense Matters…