Local law enforcement agencies are putting an extra focus on seat belt scofflaws through June 1, as part of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign.
The effort began Monday. Last year, just one agency, the San Diego County Sheriffs Department, issued 1,012 citations for seat belt violations. The CHP and local police agencies are part of the campaign as well.
“Click It or Ticket” is a national effort that California adopted nearly a decade ago, according to the state Office of Traffic Safety. The state’s seat belt use increased from 92.5 percent in 2005 to a record high of 96.6 percent in 2011, which translates to more than 1.5 million more motorists who have buckled up.
The minimum fine for an adult seat belt violation is $142, which jumps to $445 for not properly restraining a child under 16.
