CARLSBAD–In conjunction with the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign, the Carlsbad Police Department is conducting a special seat belt enforcement operation through November 29.
The goal of the enforcement is to educate and remind drivers and passengers in vehicles of the importance of wearing a seat belt, according to the Carlsbad Police Department.
“Buckling up only takes a few seconds and it is the best lifesaving defense in the event of a crash,” noted Traffic Lieutenant Christie Calderwood. “Tragically, we have seen first-hand, and all too often, the consequences of not wearing a seat belt.”
The campaign also stresses the importance of child safety while traveling in a vehicle. Under California law, children under two years of age, who weigh under 40 pounds or are under 40 inches tall, must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Children under the age of eight or under 4 feet, 9 inches tall, must be secured in a car or booster seat.
Also in California, the fine for a seat belt violation is $162. The fine for not securing a child in a child safety seat is $490.
Funding for the seat belt enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
