Articles > Popular publications > The Boston Globe (Boston, MA) news wires > May 2003

Article: TICKETING CITED DESPITE CURBS ON SEAT BELT LAW

Article from:
The Boston Globe (Boston, MA)
Article date:
May 24, 2003
Author:
Copyright

Despite a state law that bans police from pulling drivers over for seat belt violations alone, tens of thousands of Massachusetts drivers have been ticketed and fined solely for not buckling up, according to a Globe review of state records.

Officers can legally stop cars for speeding or another traffic offense, then cite the driver only for not being in a seat belt. Police and state officials said officers are using their discretion to drive home a safety message while sparing drivers heavy fines and costlier insurance.

But critics said police appear to be circumventing the law by stopping motorists solely for not wearing a seat belt.

As traffic safety officials promote the nationwide Click ...

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