Wrist-Slapping Fine on Seat Belt Law Starts Thursday

With all the hoopla about the new state laws coming into effect Thursday, you'd probably think the new primary seat belt law was one of them. Actually police officers, sheriffs deputies and highway patrol troopers have been able to stop you solely for not wearing a seat belt since June 10th. July 1st is when the tickets actually have a fine attached. You can be stopped and ticketed if either front seat occupant is not in a seat belt, and of course those under 18 can be ticketed for not wearing a belt anywhere in the car. For adults, the ticket isn't as expensive as the time you'll lose while the officer calls in your tag and writes the ticket. For the first year, the slap on the wrist will cost you five bucks -- with no court costs -- and starting in a year it will set you back a whopping ten dollars. Some criticize the law for the low fines -- the lowest we've been able to find anywhere in the nation. Tickets for teens and kids who aren't belted or in safety seats when they should be are quite a bit more expensive