Police Plan Seatbelt Enforcement Blitz

The Forest Grove Police Department will be conducting targeted enforcement for seatbelt violations from February 7th through the 20th.  This enforcement will be enhanced through additional patrol officers specifically concentrating on drivers who violate seatbelt laws by either not wearing their seatbelts, or by wearing them improperly.  The cost for the additional enforcement is paid for by a grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Information from ODOT reveals that in Oregon approximately three percent of passenger car drivers, six percent of pickup truck drivers and eleven percent of sports car drivers did not use restraints. During 2008, Oregon crash reports (FARS) indicate thirty-two percent of motor vehicle occupant fatalities were unrestrained and 11% were of unknown restraint use status.

ADULT BELT LAW: Oregon law requires that all motor vehicle operators and passengers be properly secured with a safety belt or safety harness, unless all safety-belt equipped seating positions are occupied by other persons. This applies to passenger cars, pick up trucks, motorhomes, and fee-based people transport carrying fifteen or fewer persons. Limited exemptions are allowed under ORS 811.215. Vehicle owners are required to maintain belt systems in working order.