Section 405, the Occupant Protection Incentive Grant Program

There are no secrets when it comes to state budgets. States are searching for revenue to cope with swelling budget deficits. There is one solution to alleviate the problem. Although, it is a very controversial solution.

Grants are available for State Highway Safety Programs. Millions of dollars in federal incentives  will be available to states that implement a primary enforcement safety belt law, with the Section 405, the Occupant Protection Incentive Grant Program, according to the GHSA.

State Requirements: Pass 4 of 6 criteria —
1. A law requiring safety belt use by passengers in all seating positions
2. A primary enforcement safety belt law
3. Minimum fines or points for violations of safety belt and child restraint laws
4. A statewide special enforcement program for occupant protection
5. A statewide child passenger protection education program
6. A child passenger protection law

Yet, even some legislators worry that states are giving police too much authority, and this infringes upon the rights of all American citizens. This could violate the Fourth Amendment.

Many motorists think that this only gives police officers one more excuse to profile minorities and underprivileged drivers. This type of legislation is a cash cow for state governments, while imposing upon the personal freedoms of Americans.

Do the people even have a voice anymore? Aren’t we sacrificing that right?