A. It shall be unlawful for any driver or front seat occupant of a 1966 model year or newer model motor vehicle which is subject to registration in Iowa, except a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle, not to wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt or safety harness any time the vehicle is in forward motion on a street in this city, except that a child under eighteen (18) years of age shall be secured as required under section 9-12-321.446 of this chapter. The safety belt or safety harness system used in the vehicle must meet standards as required under state of Iowa Code section 321.445(1) for safety belts and safety harnesses. (Ord. 35-10, 6-21-2010, eff. 7-1-2010)
This section shall not apply to:
1. The driver or front seat occupant of a motor vehicle which is not required to be equipped for safety belts or safety harnesses under rules adopted by the Iowa department of transportation.
2. The driver and front seat occupants of a motor vehicle who are actively engaged in work which requires them to alight from and reenter the vehicle at frequent intervals, provided the vehicle does not exceed twenty five (25) miles per hour between stops.
3. The driver of a motor vehicle while performing duties as a rural letter carrier for the U.S. postal service. This exemption applies between the first delivery point after leaving the post office and the last delivery point before returning to the post office.
4. Passengers of a bus. (Ord. 44-08, 6-16-2008)
5. A person possessing a written certification from a healthcare provider licensed under Iowa Code, on a form provided by the Iowa department of transportation that the person is unable to wear a safety belt or safety harness due to physical or medical reasons. The certification shall specify the time period for which the exemption applies. The time period shall not exceed twelve (12) months, at which time a new certification may be issued. (Ord. 35-10, 6-21-2010, eff. 7-1-2010)
6. Front seat occupants of an authorized emergency vehicle while they are being transported in an emergency. However, this exemption does not apply to the driver of the authorized emergency vehicle. (Ord. 44-08, 6-16-2008)
B. The driver and front seat passengers may each be charged separately for improperly used or nonused equipment under subsection A of this section. However, the driver shall not be charged for a violation committed by a passenger who is fourteen (14) years of age or older unless the passenger is unable to properly fasten a seat belt due to a temporary or permanent disability. The owner of the motor vehicle may be charged for equipment violations. (Ord. 35-10, 6-21-2010, eff. 7-1-2010)
C. The provisions adopted by the Iowa department of transportation, pursuant to Iowa Code section 321.445(5), for front seats and front seat passengers of motor vehicles owned, leased, rented, or primarily used by persons with physical disabilities who use collapsible wheelchairs are hereby adopted by the city. (Ord. 44-08, 6-16-2008)