Several measures approved during the 2000 Georgia General Assembly and signed by Gov. Roy Barnes will strengthen Georgia traffic laws. The changes, which include seatbelt requirements for all sport utility vehicles, took effect July 1.

Georgia Public safety Commissioner and State Patrol Commander Robert Hightower said Senate Bill 211 provides for the inclusion of sport utility vehicles in the requirements for seatbelt usage. “The message is clear that passengers and children must not ride unrestrained,” Hightower said. “All too often, law enforcement officers find children riding unrestrained or improperly restrained.

“There's just no debate that seatbelts save lives,” Hightower said. “This new law affecting SUVs, buckled together with child safety seat enforcement, will help Georgia motorists defend against the largest single killer of our kids... traffic crashes.”

A law that went into effect last July allows points for child safety restrained violations to be added to the violator's driving record. The fine for the first offense if $50 and second and subsequent offenses receive $100 fines. The 1999 law adds one point to the driver's record for the first offense and two points for the second and subsequent offenses.

A driver's license is suspended in Georgia when the driver accumulates 15 points within a 24-month period.

Another law passed by the 2000 General Assembly brings several changes for Georgia drivers, beginning with new restrictions against driving on the left of the center line of the roadway. House Bill 1180 prohibits driving on the left of center of roadway at any railroad grade crossing. It also prohibits passing in an intersection where the centerline is clearly marked by a solid double yellow line, or by a solid barrier line on the right element of a combination stripe along the center or lane line.

The new law provides that with the exceptions noted above, passing in an intersection is otherwise permitted, only under conditions permitting such movement in safety.

HB 1180 also provides for changes in signage in construction zones and for an increase in fines for speeding in construction zones. Beginning July 1, speeders in construction zones face fines of up to $2,000 and not less than $100. This new law also requires traffic law violators to sign traffic citations or they will be required to post cash bond.

Another law taking effect July 1 requires temporary tags for newly purchased vehicles. House Bill 823 provides that any vehicle dealer will issue a temporary plate to the purchaser of a new or used vehicle, and the plate will be displayed on the rear of the vehicle while it's operated on public streets or highways. This new law also provides that the temporary license plate must be turned in to the local tag office when the purchaser registers the vehicle. Georgia law requires new and used vehicles to be registered within 30 days of purchase.

Finally HB 115 brings good news for Georgia drivers who need to get replacement licenses. As of July 1, the cost of replacement licenses drops from $15 to $5. The issue of the replacement license will be only for the rime remaining on the original license.