State, Local Police Say It's Simple: Click It Or Ticket

As we enter the holiday season, and the heaviest driving week of the year, the Connecticut State Police and local police are taking part in the national "Click It or Ticket" safety campaign to enforce the mandatory seat-belt law.

Local and state police are trying to get the word out to motorists and passengers to remember to buckle up to help reduce or prevent serious injuries and save lives. The current campaign, which started on Monday, Nov. 14, lasts until Sunday, Nov. 27.

In Connecticut, the law requires all drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts. All children must always be seated and restrained in the back seat of the vehicle with seat belts or an approved child-safety or infant seat. Infants must be secured in a rear-facing seat until they turn one and weigh 20 pounds.

The fine for an adult not buckling up is currently $92. Not having a child properly secured will cost you $120. Police will be on the lookout for any drivers not in compliance with this law.

Courteous driving habits, refraining from the consumption of alcohol when planning to operate a vehicle, pulling over to a safe location for any type of cell-phone usage and obeying the posted speed limits are also important factors for maintaining safety on our roads.

The enforcement effort will remain in effect throughout the holiday season.

For more information and advice on seat-belt safety, read the Connecticut State Police's 'Topics in Public Safety' publication at the Department of Public Safety website.

The 'Click It or Ticket' program was introduced by the National Safety Council in 1993.