Measure Boosting Fines for Failure to Use Child Restraints in Vehicles Heads to House

A measure designed to make sure more parents buckle up their children is heading to the House of Representatives. That’s after the Senate approved the bill Monday evening. Senate Bill 799 would boost the current fine for failing to use proper child restraints from $10 and up to $15 in court costs to $50 plus court costs.

Senator Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is principal author of the measure. He felt the current $10 fine is not enough to persuade parents that failing to buckle up their children is not in their best interests.

“In Oklahoma about 54,000 children are at risk of serious injury or death because their parents fail to use child safety seats but the current fine is little more than a slap on the wrist. We have to convey the message that we are serious about the safety of Oklahoma’s children,” Jolley said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents are the leading cause of death among American children between ages one to four.

Sen. Jolley amended the bill on the floor to ensure the additional money raised by the increased fine would go to the state’s Highway Safety Office for more public education about the need to use vehicle restraints for young children.

The measure does allow for the waiver of the fine on a first offense if the parents have proof that they have acquired proper car seat equipment. However they still would be responsible for court costs, which would be capped at $15 for a first offense.

“The bottom line is that we want these children to have a healthy, happy future. Making sure they are properly restrained can literally make the difference between life and death. Raising the fine proves we’re serious about this and hopefully it help raise public awareness in the process,” Jolley said.