I suppose you could call it a pet peeve of mine, but perhaps it is something that simply demonstrates the slippery slope of government control over your life through incremental legislative actions. Seatbelt legislation is not alone in the vile use of government power over it’s people, yet it can be the most easily demonstrated failure of our constitutional principles, and subsequent loss of rights.
The 4th amendment reads as follows:
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
When the original seatbelt legislation was enacted, legislators in Michigan deemed it appropriate to state that no traffic stop could be initiated upon the officer’s suspicion that a seatbelt was not being used. Three decades later, we find ourselves with seatbelts as being a reason to detain, search and generally violate our 4th amendment rights.
The police can now stop you based on the suspicion, or “stated suspicion” that you weren’t wearing a seatbelt. This allows them access to your private possessions (your vehicle etc.) without due process.
Seatbelt laws are BAD LAW. Individuals have the right to determine what is healthful for them. Use of “in the public good” tenants are generally used citing higher health care and insurance, and other “costs” to society. However, those costs are in reality brought about by leaders who burden our system with “cradle to grave” philosophy. We should not allow poor government philosophy to violate our constitutionally protected rights.
Michigan’s seat belt laws should be repealed.