Seat Belt Use

Defendant appealed the Appeals Panel’s decision sustaining the defendant’s violation of R.I.G.L. 1956 § 31-22-22(g) (“no seatbelt, operator”). Defendant argued that he could not wear a shoulder strap seatbelt because of a medical condition, so instead he wore a lap strap seatbelt. According to R.I.G.L. 1956 § 31-22-22(i), some individuals cannot, physically, wear a full safety belt and harness and, therefore, these individuals may be excused from wearing a full safety belt and harness. However, the operator must have a physician’s note stating that the operator cannot physically wear a full safety belt and harness. Since the defendant did not have this note, or at least did not present such evidence at trial, the District Court affirmed the Appeals Panel’s decision. 

Jason Dellanoy v. State of Rhode Island, A.A. No. 16-26 (November 10, 2016).pdf

Seat Belt Use

Defendant appealed the decision of the Appeals Panel sustaining the violation of R.I.G.L. 1956 § 31-22-22(g) (no seat belt – operator). The District Court held that even if the operator had the waist strap fastened, he was still in violation of the statute because he did not have the requisite letter from a physician excusing him from wearing the shoulder strap for physical or medical reasons as the statute required. Accordingly, the Court affirmed the Appeals Panel.

State of Rhode Island v. Jorge Rivera, A.A. No. 2013 – 127 (March 25, 2014).pdf