Police May Stop Beltless Drivers

Police have always been able to stop you for not using your turn signal, speeding and even for not having a license plate light.  But, prior to March 10, 2000 seat belt use had to be a secondary reason for the traffic stop.

Seatbelts save lives, as a police officer I have seen countless accidents and as I approached them, I was expecting the worst and was pleasantly surprised to find only minor injuries when they were wearing their seat belts.

Seatbelts only work if you wear them and wear them properly.  This means over the shoulder, not under.  If you wear the belt under your arm and you are in an accident, you run the risk that the collision will break a rib, rupture your spleen and you can die before you reach the Emergency Room.

Remember....

	If front seat passengers are not wearing a safety belt, we can stop your vehicle.
	An operator of a motor vehicle who violates the law will receive a ticket and be fined $25.00 plus court costs.
	All children under the age of 4 must be in a child safety seat, in both the front and rear of the vehicle.