Traffic fines for seatbelt and child safety restraint violations; increase and provide for distribution of between SDE and DPS.

HB 1022 increases fines for seatbelt and child safety restraint violations to $100 per offense in Mississippi. It requires collected fines to be split equally between the State Department of Education and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to fund driver education and training programs. The bill applies to all drivers and passengers violating seatbelt laws (with specific exemptions listed, such as farm vehicles or medical exemptions), but fines will not appear on driving records. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026, though the bill died in committee before passing.