76 warned for no seat belts

Talk about it

During the statewide “Click It or Ticket” enforcement effort May 24 to June 6, the Two Harbors Police Department issued 76 seat belt and no child restraint citations. More than 400 law enforcement agencies participated in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety effort aimed at increasing seat belt and child restraint use among motorists. Each year in Minnesota, unbelted motorists account for more than half of all motorist deaths.

The campaign was the first major enforcement of the primary seat belt law this year. Law enforcement officers can stop and ticket motorists solely for seat belt violations, including unbelted passengers. A seat belt fine is $25 but can cost more than $100 with court and administrative fees.

Two Harbors Police conducted a seat belt observational survey prior to the seat belt enforcement and reported 80 percent of motorists were belted. In a post-enforcement survey, belt use jumped to 90 percent.

The Two Harbors Police Department was awarded a grant to participate in the effort and used it to fund overtime hours and extra patrol shifts.

Tags: two harbors, seat belt