Seatbelt Crackdown Begins May 19 in Manatee County as Part of National Click It or Ticket Campaign
Starting Monday, May 19, drivers and passengers across Manatee County can expect increased enforcement as the national Click It or Ticket campaign gets underway. The Bradenton Police Department, along with law enforcement agencies nationwide, will focus heavily on ensuring seatbelt and child restraint laws are followed.
The annual campaign aims to reduce injuries and fatalities by promoting consistent seatbelt use. Officers will be on the lookout for motorists who fail to buckle up, as well as those transporting children without proper car seats or booster seats.
In Manatee County, the penalty for not wearing a seatbelt is $116. Drivers who are caught with an unrestrained child face a $166 fine and three points on their license.
Officials are urging all drivers to double-check that everyone in the vehicle, especially young passengers, is properly secured before hitting the road. The campaign serves as a reminder that wearing a seatbelt is not just a personal choice but a legal obligation designed to save lives.