May 26, 2010 -- Beginning this week through June 6, law enforcement throughout the state, including Santa Monica, will be looking for unbelted drivers and passengers as part of the 2010 Click It or Ticket program. Fines have gone up this year from $132 to $142 for first-time adult offenders. For children under 16 committing their first offense, the fine is $445. Santa Monica Police Department officials say they will not give warnings, only citations.

“Keep your friends and family safe by buckling up no matter where you’re going,” said Santa Monica Police Chief Tim Jackman in a press release about the program.

“We will be looking for motorists throughout the area who are not buckling up, day and night. It’s not just about avoiding a ticket, it’s about keeping the ones you care about alive.”

Christopher J. Murphy, director of the California Office of Traffic Safety, added, “Wearing a seat belt is just simply the easiest and most effective thing you can do on the road to protect yourself and your family. That means buckling up day and night, on every trip.”