Court Mandates Class for Seat-Belt Law Violators
Drivers ticketed for failing to use safety belts or car seats in Downey now are required to attend a two-hour session called “Family Safety in the Car” if they want the charges dismissed. The new class is part of a pilot program developed by SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. Downey Municipal Court is the first in the state to implement the program.
According to California law, children must ride in special safety seats until they are at least 4 years old and also weigh more than 40 pounds. Drivers and other passengers must be buckled up with vehicle safety belts. Fines for the first offense are $20 for safety belt violations and $235 (including penalty assessments) for not having children in car seats. Violators pay $12 to attend the class.
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