Seat Belt Campaign In Minnesota Hopes To Reduce Number Of Unbelted Drivers

A new seat belt campaign beginning in Minnesota will lead to tickets for unbelted drivers. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, six percent of divers still don’t wear seat belts. The DPS reported that in 2015, 91 drivers not wearing seat belts died in Minnesota. Over the past five years, 527 unbelted drivers died and 1,035 people had serious injuries. Minnesota will be putting on a Click It or Ticket Campaign until June 5. Over 300 law enforcement agencies will be looking for unbelted drivers in hopes to prevent injuries and increase seat belt use for drivers in Minnesota. The DPS outlined the main reasons wearing a seat belt as: 1. Reduce the chances of crashing into the windshield 2. Slamming into other passengers, and 3. Being ejected from the car. The DPS also reported that in 2015, 77% of drivers who were actually ejected from the car were not wearing seat belts.

What is the law in Minnesota?

Minnesota Statute 169.686 governs the law relating to seat belts. Every person in the car shall wear a seat belt, which is properly adjusted, and fastened. The shoulder lap belt and shoulder strap should both be used. Any person 15 years or older who violates the statute, is subject to a 25$ fine. The driver is subject to a 25$ fine or each passenger in the car under 15. The money obtained from the tickets are to be dispersed to emergency Medical Services in Minnesota.

Exceptions

Like many laws, there are exceptions to the seat belt law in Minnesota. The statute holds that the law does not apply to:

(1) a person driving a passenger vehicle in reverse;

(2) a person riding in a vehicle in which all the seating positions equipped with safety belts are occupied by other persons in safety belts;

(3) a person who is in possession of a written certificate from a licensed physician verifying that because of medical unfitness or physical disability the person is unable to wear a seat belt;

(4) a person who is actually engaged in work that requires the person to alight from and reenter a motor vehicle at frequent intervals and who, while engaged in that work, does not drive or travel in that vehicle at a speed exceeding 25 miles per hour;

(5) a rural mail carrier of the United States Postal Service or a newspaper delivery person while in the performance of duties;

(6) a person driving or riding in a passenger vehicle manufactured before January 1, 1965; and

(7) a person driving or riding in a pickup truck while engaged in normal farming work or activity.

Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys urges everyone to wear their seatbelt and hopes that the campaign will reduce the number of unbelted drivers in Minnesota. However, if you have been issued a ticket or citation for not wearing a seat belt during the Click It or Ticket Campaign or any other time, contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys. The traffic attorneys at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys will be able to determine whether one of the exceptions applies to your case. Call 952-913-1421 today if you have been charged with a traffic or seatbelt violation and if you are looking for a Minnesota traffic defense lawyer. Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys offers free consultations for people who have been charged with a traffic violation. Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys also offers payment plans in most cases. Max Keller will listen to the facts of the case and come up with a strategy to ensure your case is being handled properly. Please visit the firm’s website at www.kellerlawoffices.com to speak with a traffic attorney.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.
Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions:
State of Minnesota
Minnesota State Court
Minnesota Federal Court
8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals
State of Maryland”

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Getting falsely accused of domestic violence in Minnesota may put you at risk of losing your job, custody of your children, or even your home. You may face criminal charges and the accusation may damage your reputation in the community, as people will now view you as an abuser. False domestic violence accusations often happen when couples are in a contentious relationship with a risk of divorce.
The top reasons for license suspension in Minnesota include driving under the influence of alcohol, repeated traffic violations, and failure to appear in court or pay fines. Failure to pay child support, criminal convictions and felonies, medical conditions/disabilities, and drag racing can also lead to license suspension. The suspension takes away your driving privileges, preventing you from driving legally.
Motorists arrested for allegedly driving while impaired might wonder, “Can you refuse a breathalyzer?” In Minnesota, the implied consent law requires a person licensed to drive, control, or operate a vehicle to agree to a chemical test to check for alcohol or other intoxicants in that person’s body. Refusing to submit to a breathalyzer or another chemical test is a crime, often charged as a gross misdemeanor.