Highway patrol steps up seat belt enforcement

The Nevada Highway Patrol is participating in the nationwide "Click It or Ticket" seat belt useage campaign May 21-June 3.

Spokesman Sgt. Blair Harkleroad said useage for 2006 indicated 92 percent of motorists used seat belts.

"We are striving for 90 percent compliance rate for occupant restraint useage for 2007," Harkleroad said.

Because the seat belt law is a secondary law in Nevada, troopers will be looking for moving, nonmoving or mechanical violations fefore initiating a traffic stop.

Motorists who are stopped and are not wearing a seat belt will be issued a citation that is currently a $67 fine for them or any unbelted passenger. Drivers are fine $77 for children under 18 who are not belted or using child safety seats.

"We would rather issue someone a citation than have to tell family members that a loved one was killed in a traffic accident," Harkleroad said.

Grants will provide 32 hours in overtime shifts during the two-week period.