Crime & Safety
Police Step Up Seatbelt Enforcement
Starting today, police are keeping a closer eye out for those failing to buckle up.
By Bay City News Service
The "Click It or Ticket" seat belt campaign is upping enforcement this week throughout the state and Bay Area, police officials announced.
Although seat belt usage is always enforced, from May 23 through June 5, police officers will be especially aware of unbelted drivers and passengers to dole out fines. Nighttime enforcement will also increase.
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A first-time adult seat belt violation is a minimum of $142, and the fine is $445 for children under 16 years old, according to the Martinez Police Department.
About 96 percent of Californians use seat belts, but that leaves roughly one million people who are not buckling up, police officials said.
Find out what's happening in Martinezwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"It's not just about avoiding a costly ticket," Martinez police Chief Gary Peterson said. "It's about keeping the ones you care about alive."
More than 600 "Click It or Ticket" signs along California highways have been posted since 2005. Signs will be updated to remind drivers and passengers of the minimum $142 fee, which can be given without warning, according to Martinez police.
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