Found this at another site and it is from MSNBC news. This is entitled: 'No Seat Belts? You Can Be Arrested! Here's the link: http://www.msnbc.com/news/563763.asp

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

Answers

Thanks LEW. Another take on it is here:

Other thread

your link here

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

The cop was using very poor judgement. I have to agree with O'Connor in her dissent.

Now we have to work to get the laws changed so this cannot happen again.

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

This unfortunate ruling moves us one step closer to the coming police state.

America as we knew it is a dream. How can we allow a person to be handcuffed in front of their children simply because the violated the most minor of traffic laws.

At the risk of thread drift, I think seat belt laws and all other "victimless" crimes should be abolished. Don't get me wrong, I wear a seat belt and always have. I don't need some law to make me do that. We are allowed to do other "risky" things, such as hang gliding and mountain climbing. If I want to take a "risk" and not wear a seat belt, it is my own damn business! I'm not against seat belts, just the law REQUIRING me to wear seat belts. And to be arested for not wearing a seat belt is the height of absurdity.

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

You're right Mike, it is a nonsensical law. Common sense dictates wearing the belts as a life-protecting measure. At least the odds are in your favor when you wear them.

But the law requiring people to wear them is an infringement on the inalienable right to be stupid and take risks!

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

I think this has awakened some folks. I heard on the radio this afternoon, a Houston state rep had just introduced legislation forbidding arrest for offenses that carried no jail time, only fines (misdemeanors) 'Course, you gotta sign the ticket (promise to appear) and not be mouthy to the judge (contempt).

The lady in question was arrested for the seat belt violation, AND no drivers license, no proof of insurance. But at the trial, she produced proof that her purse(with the DL and proof/ins) had been stolen a few days before the traffic stop, and she produced the documents that were in effect on the day of arrest, thus those charges were dropped.

Now I still don't think she should have been cuffed and hauled down to the police station, but this is just the rest of the story.

Dennis

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2001

as for proof of insurance and registration, we xeroxed ours and have copies in the glove box, just in case the originals are not available.

I suppose a driver license copy would help, but it is no substitute for the real thing.

I'd say the woman was stupid for not going and getting a duplicate immediately after her purse was stolen. Or lost, whatever you said it was, I forgot.

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2001