LANSING, MI (AP)-- Law enforcement officials in 40 Michigan counties are stepping up enforcement of seat belt regulations.
The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning says the annual "Click It or Ticket" safety belt enforcement zones and extra enforcement begin Monday. Officials last week kicked off the effort with an advertising campaign. A ticket for violators is $65.
The effort through the Memorial Day weekend effort involves local police, sheriff's offices and state police. Federal funds support the campaign.
The goal is to increase seat belt use to reduce traffic deaths and injuries. Last year, the state's seat belt use rate was 93 percent, down from a high of 97.9 percent in 2009. Officials say that they want to help get seat belt use up to the 98 percent level.