LB 1073 was signed into law by Governor Johanns and will go into effect July 20, 2002.

Changes include:

• All children up to six years of age must ride in a child passenger restraint system. (Primary enforcement law)
• Children six years of age and less than sixteen years of age must ride using an occupant protection system. (Secondary enforcement law)
• If the driver holds a provisional operator’s permit (POP) or a school permit, all passengers must ride using an occupant protection system. (Secondary enforcement law)
• The "proof of purchase or rental" waiver has been eliminated.
• The Dept. of Motor Vehicles shall develop a public information campaign which includes the availability of distribution and discount programs for restraint systems.

Important items that remain in effect:

• The child passenger restraint system must be correctly installed.
• Exceptions: taxis, mopeds, motorcycles, and any motor vehicle designated by the manufacturer as a 1963 year model or earlier which is not equipped with an occupant protection system.
• The medical exemption remains. A licensed physician must sign a statement identifying the child and stating the grounds for the waiver.
• Drivers of emergency vehicles are exempt.
• Foster care providers must also transport children in restraints. Failure to do so will result in the revocation or suspension of the foster care license.