The new Minnesota seat belt law is causing more motorists and passengers to fasten their seat belts, particularly after hearing that the fine and court costs for each unbelted person in the car could be over $100. In Anoka county, for example the fine and courts costs for each unbelted person total $110.
The new law allows a law officer to stop a car if he is sure the driver is not belted. Once the car is stopped, the officer can tag anyone who is unbelted and may check for drivers license, drunkenness and possession of drugs.
The Minnesota Legislature passed the more restrictive seat belt law after hearing from mothers of injured victims, looking at the data and taking advantage of $3.4 million in federal funds.
Minnesota’s Department of Safety says that of the 325 fatal auto crashes in 2008, 178 involved belted drivers and passengers.
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