TAMPA BAY, Fla. — Buckle up ladies and gentlemen as law enforcement agencies nationwide will be stepping up enforcement of seat belt violations starting Monday.
The national "Click it or Ticket" campaign runs from May 21 through June 3, 2018. During that time, law enforcement agencies will be actively enforcing all safety belt violations.
The Florida Highway Patrol and law enforcement across the state participate in the national campaign to encourage safety belt use.
Wearing your seat belt in Florida became a primary offense in 2009 with the Dori Slosberg and Katie Marchetti Safety Belt Law. The law requires that all drivers, all front seat passengers and all passengers under the age of 18 fasten their safety belts. Since it is a primary offense, law enforcement does not need another reason to pull you over if your seat belt isn't buckled.
According to the department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, "Drivers and passengers 18 or older can be cited if they, or any passenger under the age of 18, are not properly strapped in. Drivers will be charged with a seat belt violation if any passenger under the age of 18 is not restrained with a seat belt or child restraint device."
