Memphis,
TN - If you don't wear your seatbelt in
Arkansas, you run the risk of getting a ticket. Law Enforcement in the state now has the right to stop you for not wearing your seatbelt. Authorities used to have to stop you for something else before they could cite you. The change in the law’s designation took effect Tuesday, June 30, 2009.
Officials say it’s a fact that seat belts save lives and reduce injuries. “I worked a lot of serious injury accidents over the years, where if those people had their seatbelt in use, not only would they probably not have been killed they wouldn't have been hurt seriously,” said Colonel Micky Strayhorn of the Arkansas State Police.
Last year, Arkansas State Police wrote more than 32,000 tickets for seatbelt violations. Lawmakers say they don't expect that number to increase now that the seatbelt law is a primary law.
The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration has given the Arkansas State Police money that's specifically used to pay overtime for seatbelt enforcement.
