'Click It or Ticket' Campaign Kicks Off

A busy season of barbecues, graduation parties and trips Up North is about to kick off and, in anticipation, the national Click It or Ticket campaign begins Monday.

Officers from more than 200 Michigan law enforcement agencies will work to enforce the state's seat belt law, which requires all drivers, as well as passengers in the front seat or who are 15 or younger, to buckle up.

"Michigan has a primary seat belt law, which means law enforcement can stop and ticket motorists solely for not being buckled up," according to the Michigan State Police website.

The law also says children must ride in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4'9" tall, whichever comes first. Those who do not comply could face a $65 fine.

"Traffic fatalities have risen this year, while seat belt use has dipped slightly," Lt. Billy Spencer said. "By continuing to step up seat belt enforcement, we are reminding motorists the easiest way to protect themselves in a crash is by buckling up."

The campaign, which is federally funded, will use daytime seat belt enforcement zones and nighttime roving patrols, according to information Spencer provided. Click It or Ticket lasts through June 5.