Governor, NHP begin seatbelt campaign

No more, say the governor and state Public Safety officials.

As part of a national drive to make more people wear belts when in their cars, the state kicked off the "No Exceptions, No Excuses, Buckle Up Nevada" campaign this week.

Gov. Kenny Guinn and top law enforcement are holding an event in Reno today and in Las Vegas Thursday, serving notice that traffic officers will no longer have the discretion to give someone a break on the seatbelt violation.

Under Nevada law, police aren't allowed to pull drivers over because they aren't sure they're wearing a seatbelt. But the law allows someone to be cited for not wearing a belt once they are pulled over for any other reason, such as speeding.

Kim Evans of the Department of Public Safety said no seatbelt means a $65 ticket on top of the fine for the original violation.

She said the penalty is $90 if the officer discovers a child in the car unrestrained.

More than 11,000 police agencies in all 50 states are participating in the effort to get drivers to buckle up. Evans said that means intensified enforcement of not only seatbelt and child safety laws but DUI checkpoints as well.

The enforcement effort is being accompanied by an intensive television and radio advertising campaign funded by a $290,000 federal grant.