State of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Respondent v. Kirby Lenihan, Defendant-Appellant

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the Appellate Division, holding that New Jersey's Mandatory Seat Belt Usage Law is a law intended to protect the public health and safety and therefore qualifies as a predicate offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:40-18b, and that the statute is not unconstitutionally vague. The decision rests on plain‑language interpretation, legislative history, and established precedent.