Escondido Begins Seat Belt Safety Effort, Is Ticketing Violators

ESCONDIDO, CA -- From May 20 through June 2, the Escondido Police Department has additional officers on patrol looking for drivers and passengers who aren't buckled up -- including drivers who don't secure children in child safety seats.

The enforcement effort is part of the national Click It or Ticket campaign focused on increasing seat belt use.

At 96.2 percent, California has one of the highest seat belt use rates in the nation. However, 532 people killed in crashes statewide last year were not wearing a seat belt, according to police data.

In California, the fine for a seat belt violation is $162, and $490 for failing to secure a child in the proper safety seat. Under California law, children under two years old, 40 pounds and 40 inches are required be in a rear-facing car seat.

Children under the age of eight must be secured in a car or booster seat.