Senate Bill (SB) 458 which closes the pick-up truck loophole in seat belt laws was passed by the House of Representatives last week by a vote of 132-29.

Currently, the law requires that each occupant of the front seat of a car, van or SUV be restrained by a seatbelt. SB 458 redefines the term “passenger vehicle” to include pickup trucks thereby requiring that passengers in the front seat of a pickup truck also be restrained by a seat belt. Off-road and pick-up trucks involved in agriculture operations are exempt.

Once the legislation is passed, Georgia will become eligible for federal incentive grants from the Traffic Safety Institute. Lawmakers have also indicated their belief that closing the loophole will save Georgian’s $25 million in Medicaid costs over a 10-year period as well as save lives. Sixty-seven percent of pick-up truck related deaths in Georgia come from those not wearing a seat belt.

The bill will become a law upon approval by Gov. Sonny Perdue.