[BlueStateDepression]

You do not have the right to drive, it is a privilege, and to keep that privilege there are rules to follow.

Personally I oppose seat belt laws for many of the same reasons other folks do and even reasons in the article posted. My main reason is the Insurance Lobby. That aside, I agree with this simple statement you made 100%.

I would offer that your statement ends much of the debate so I chose to talk about enforcment now.

In order to show this is a valid rule that is needed then let's remove the opposition that stems from padding political coffers with fines and lobbying surrounding its enforcment.

If the idea really was about having folks wear their seatbelts ( and not pay fines so you do not have to do so) then by all means force car manufacturers to install lockout devices that render the car undrivable if seatbelts are not in use.

We already see technology that requires the brake be pressed in order to put the car in gear so this isn't out of reason as far as capability.

I am not a big regulation kind of person but if regulation has to be in place like this then by all means lets do it in a way that removes all the drama.

[dfwgator]

Now the enforcement issue is a whole other kettle of fish. I am strictly talking about if seat belt laws are legitimate, and the answer is yes.

[Old Professer]

You must not be old enough to remember the dreaded, hidden seatbelt buzzer that malfunctioned half the time.

[visualops]

Cars can easily have automatic seat belts (attached to the door). My car shoulder seatbelt is automatic. It's quite convenient especially when exiting the vehicle.