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 Law Offices 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 Law Offices. The traffic attorneys at Keller Law Offices 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 Law Offices offers free consultations for people who have been charged with a traffic violation. Keller Law Offices 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.
