Seatbelt, texting laws are signed

The Governor also signed Senate Bill 360 sponsored by Senator Jack Murphy, which makes it illegal for all drivers to text while driving.  Before signing the legislation the Governor expressed his continued concern with some provisions of the bill, but said he agreed to sign with the assurance that the bill sponsors were committed to addressing his concerns in legislation next year.

“Because of the sponsors’ assurances, I have decided to sign SB 360,” said Governor Perdue.  “I hope that we will all commit to driving safely, free of distraction.”

Also on Thursday, June 3, Governor Perdue Senate Bill 458, legislation removing the truck exemption for seatbelts. The Governor was joined in Dalton by bill sponsor Senator Don Thomas, who is retiring after 14 years of service in the General Assembly.

“Pick-ups have changed over the years, and are often used to get back and forth to work on an everyday basis.  Today, they are out on our expressways and bypasses, as well as farms,” said Governor Perdue. “We all recognize that seatbelts save lives. With this legislation we look to continuing to build a ‘Safer Georgia’ for the next generation.”

SB 458 removes the pickup truck exemption to the law requiring seatbelts to be worn when driving on Georgia roads. The legislation excludes motorcycles, motor driven cycles, off road vehicles and pickup trucks being used in connection with agricultural pursuits.

“This long-overdue legislation is a victory for all Georgians. We have fought hard for years to make sure that everyone driving on Georgia roads is safely buckled-up,” said Senator Thomas. “Thank you to the Governor and all in the legislature who worked diligently to ensure this life-saving measure becomes law.”