CA seal belt laws

[JRjr]

I recently received a traffic citation for not wearing my seatbelt. It was graciously given by a CHP inside the city limits in a residential area. He pulled me over explicitly for the offense.

My question for other CHP officers is, would you pull over someone in a 3/4 ton work truck at 11:30 am with light traffic inside a city residential area, just because you thought he wasn't wearing his seatbelt?

To me, there is much more serious and important things my tax dollar could be paying for with regards to traffic law enforcement, than seatbelt violators.

Where I live, there is a big problem with illegal aliens driving w/o insurance, valid drivers licenses, invalid registrations, and they are NON-CITIZENS who are here illegally. You could literally pull over almost any Hispanic, at any time, and find one or more of the more serious offenses. This problem is one of the reason why my companies insurance rates climb every year.

Yet, he picks me to give a citation to.

I learned to drive and got my DL when seat belts weren't mandatory to be in vehicles, so I never got used to putting them on. But before I get a lecture, statistically I know it's much much safer to wear them, but do I really need to pay some government offical to make me wear it?

BTW, I've been driving for 39 years without a single accident. (crosses fingers and does hail mary's)

When the seatbelt law was passed, they said you wouldn't be pulled over just for not wearing a seatbelt, and that their had to be another reason for stopping you. What ever happened to that?

[Bigg Dogg]

Sounds like you were breaking the law and was caught.State Troopers all across the Country are cracking down on that right now.Ever heard of click it or ticket.And as far as enforcing the law,every year there are hundreds,if not thousands of people that would still be with their loved ones if they would just click it.

And yes,If I was a CHP officer and observed you driving in a community with no seatbelt,I would stop you also.they get paid for that,he was doing exactly what he is paid to do.


And hang onto your hat!!I hope it is fire retardant.You are about to get smoked by some of the others on here.

[HolyRoller]

I'll hopefully be sworn as a deputy in my county in a couple weeks. The only deputy ever killed on duty in the history of this county died when he was riding shotgun in a patrol car that couldn't make a corner at high speed. The driver was belted in and had a little scratch on his wrist where the airbag knocked his watch off. The passenger deputy, according to the Highway Patrol accident reconstruction report that I read thoroughly, had unbelted and cracked open his door in anticipation of hopping out and running after the suspect. He got ejected into the woods. His wife was on duty as a nurse in the emergency room and watched him die.

Three months ago in Cumberland County next door, a brand-new deputy was driving at high speed to a call and flipped the car. No seat belt. He was actually from this county and the funeral was just a few miles down the road from me.

In 1988 I was wearing my seat belt and misjudged an oncoming Bronco, had a head-on in the intersection. Probably wouldn't have been killed but would have broken my nose and a few other components, and I hate hospitals. As it was, I only had a slightly sore back for a day, and higher insurance for three years.

13 years ago tomorrow as a nitwit student pilot, I forgot to turn on the landing light on a night approach--checklists are for sissies--and hit the next-to-last tree before the runway at about 65 knots (over 70 mph). Airplane totaled, $500 deductible, but by definition it was a good landing because I walked away from it (actually ran). I was rather more sore than after the car accident but pain is nature's way of reminding you you're alive. Had I not been wearing lap belt AND shoulder harness, I would have been killed instantly.

If the chief deputy tells me it's something they want me to do and the Highway Patrol doesn't see you first when you drive through this county unbelted, I'll be glad to pull you over and ask what's up with the no seat belt deal.

I suppose you'll respond, why don't you go arrest all the illegal aliens in your county! They're the real problem! Why you picking on ME???

I will ask, yeah we have plenty of illegals here, and they take the jobs that regular Americans won't, and they have been known to commit traffic infractions and DWIs, but why don't YOU wear a seat belt as the law requires?

I suppose you'll respond, we didn't do that when I was learning to drive.

I will say, here's your ticket.

I know a guy who drinks too much, lies, cheats, doesn't pay taxes, had 20-odd affairs on his wife before she finally dumped him, etc. etc., but he doesn't go to church because they're a bunch of hypocrites. Now God may, on the judgment day, say "well my son, you drank too much, lied, cheated, didn't pay taxes, had 20-odd affairs on your wife, etc. etc. but because everybody in church is a hypocrite, then that excuses everything you do. Welcome to your eternal reward, good and faithful servant." I am not quite that merciful.

[deputy x 2]

When the law first past, there was a "grace" period. You were stopped and advised of the new law. Now, if you don't buckle up...you are fair game.

Haven't you heard CHP'S slogan "click it or ticket?" Guess what????? IF YOUR PASSENGER ISN'T WEARING THEIR SEAT BELT....IT'S A TICKET.

And in regards to the illegals who drive without a license. Yup! You are right...off to jail on a 12500..pick a car...any car. That's no fun!

FACE IT BUD, you were in violation and got a cite! Yes, when you got your license, the laws were different. That's the way IT WAS.

The lecture is true..they do save lives. CHP rarely ever have to cut the seatbelt off a dead body.

Oh!!! Before another cop decides to "pick" on you....Do you know about the law that mandates, if your windshield wipers are ON you HAVE to turn on your headlights??????

And to finally answer your question regarding,"Do I have to pay some government official to make me wear it? The answer is yes...unless of course you want to be on the receiving end of a warrant or another ticket. :D :D

It really isn't that hard to wear a seatbelt. It only takes a second to put it on and take it off. The other side of the coin is......it really frekin hurts when you hit the steering wheel at 55mph. That's assuming you ALWAYS obey the speed limit. :eek: :eek:

Drive safe :cool:

[JRjr]

I guess I should have expected the replies I received from y'all, after all, I did commit a moving violation, and now know that I can sleep better AND be assured that I'll be safer knowing that the CHP's are doing a fine job of traffic enforcement inside the CITIES of my county, whom we also pay our local city police to patrol.

There is one thing that bothers me though, with regards to the safety police, why isn't it mandatory to have seat belts in school buses?

Based on the responses I've received in this forum, the next time I see a motorcycle patrol officer without HIS seatbelt, even though it's not a law YET, should I cautiously propose maybe a driving school class on the "do's and don't" of safety?

Holyroller, it's not that I didn't violate a Ca. vehicle code statute, but some tickets just have more feathers than others. When you've had a clean driving record for 19 years, it seems a good verbal warning could have been in order, and probably been more effective, no?

[deputy x 2]

I guess I should have expected the replies I received from y'all, after all, I did commit a moving violation, and now know that I can sleep better AND be assured that I'll be safer knowing that the CHP's are doing a fine job of traffic enforcement inside the CITIES of my county, whom we also pay our local city police to patrol.

There is one thing that bothers me though, with regards to the safety police, why isn't it mandatory to have seat belts in school buses?

Based on the responses I've received in this forum, the next time I see a motorcycle patrol officer without HIS seatbelt, even though it's not a law YET, should I cautiously propose maybe a driving school class on the "do's and don't" of safety?

Holyroller, it's not that I didn't violate a Ca. vehicle code statute, but some tickets just have more feathers than others. When you've had a clean driving record for 19 years, it seems a good verbal warning could have been in order, and probably been more effective, no?

Not mandatory in regular buses either! Hmm, there are no seatbelts on a motorcycle....just like you don't have to wear a helmet when you drive your car.

I'm pretty sure...you talked yourself into a ticket. Attitude is always taken into account...write or warn? :cool:

We just enforce the laws...we don't write them. SO instead of blaming us for your failure to "click it" blame someone else for writing it.

[CarCop]

JRjr,
Let me help you set a few things straight if I could.
First, a seatbelt violation is NOT a moving violation.

Second, as for the illegal alien thing goes, HOw do you propose cops determine alienage based on driving. If they are Mexican, should I pull them over? NO. The reality is that we need PC (probable cause). And guess what, not wearinga seatbelt gives us PC to stop you. We make the stop and check your DL. If your here illegally you won't have one (or shouldn't). Then we kindly take your car. That didn't happen to you.

Third, you said you've been driving for 39 years and in that time several laws have changed and changed again. Your just ****ed cause it was you this time, sorry those are the breaks.

Lastly, CHP is a STATE agency, they are allowed to go ANYWHERE that there are roads. City, county, Freeway, no matter. All roads, all codes. Like it or not that is what they do and are allowed to do.

It's actually sad when we roll up to a crash and see the person ejected and killed just for not having a seatbelt. I'd be willing to bet that it was the dead guys FIRST time diong that trick too. Just wear the damn thing, pay the 20 something bucks and God forbid you ever get into a big crash and don't get thrown out like a sack of potatoes, call the CHP officer and thank him.

[JRjr]

Not mandatory in regular buses either! Hmm, there are no seatbelts on a motorcycle....just like you don't have to wear a helmet when you drive your car.

I'm pretty sure...you talked yourself into a ticket. Attitude is always taken into account...write or warn? :cool:

We just enforce the laws...we don't write them. SO instead of blaming us for your failure to "click it" blame someone else for writing it.

Never spoke any derogatory words to the officer. I Never said ANYTHING.

The reason I didn't, is because I didn't want to open my mouth for fear of him smelling the alky on my breath.

See, I just had left a bachelors party and was fuucckkkinnnn HAMMERED.

I guess I should be happy with just the seat belt ticket.

Anyways, Happy New Year y'all!! and remember "click it or ticket" or/and "don't drink and drive!!"

[deputy x 2]

Jr,

And you had the nerve to start the thread?

Ignorant people= JOB SECURITY


I have to say BS on the being "hammered" part. The smell of alcohol is NOT the "only" tell tale sign that you are intoxicated. Trust me....any cop, ESPECIALLY the CHP would have taken you to jail in a heartbeat for being duece, if you were "hammered" as you claim.

So don't try to make it like you got over on us! :cool:

Don't let the door hit you in the butt, you can leave the forum now!

[SgtScott31]

Never spoke any derogatory words to the officer. I Never said ANYTHING.

The reason I didn't, is because I didn't want to open my mouth for fear of him smelling the alky on my breath.

See, I just had left a bachelors party and was fuucckkkinnnn HAMMERED.

I guess I should be happy with just the seat belt ticket.

Anyways, Happy New Year y'all!! and remember "click it or ticket" or/and "don't drink and drive!!"

LOSER!!! I love to nail people like you on the road. It's only too bad you didn't run off at the mouth and eat pavement. Get a life.

[Metro174]

CA Sealbelt Laws Hey! It's in his title :rolleyes:

Sealbelts?!? Dang you California cops are strict! I would never write anybody for failing to belt a seal!!


Tongue firmly in cheek.

[deputy x 2]

I cant figure out how to attach a photo

Here is the photo in an attachment...Can someone help me out?

Introducing "Chippy" the lost sea lion.

[JRjr]

Relax guys. Didn't mean any harm. Just a little new year's fun.

Seriously, I wasn't drinking because I don't drink and drive or rarely drink at all.

Just thought I'd have a little fun with law enforcement on this eve of the new year.

Have a great new year all, and be careful out there protecting our butts.

John

[Metro174]

Here ya go Deputy.

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/1856/mnsealion8np.jpg

[deputy x 2]

OH my god! Thank you thank you!! I battled for 2+ hours trying to get it to work. My other half was about to divorce me because I was so determined to get it. Would you PM me and tell me how you did it?

CHIPPY is dedicated to JR. hee hee (Thought it was appropriate) :D

CHIPPY was found 60 miles east of the coast. He swam up the sloughs and got lost. They also determined he was shot (semi healed) in the head. While waiting for Seal Control to respond he decided to "sun" himself on the trunk of the patrol car. He was taken to the mammal center for treatment and later released. He has been spotted sitting on the floating dock, posing for pictures at Pier39 in Fisherman's wharf.

[Photogrrlz]

So I take it, No seatbelt is a primary offense in CA.

In Ohio, it is a secondary offense

[deputy x 2]

Yeppers!!!!!!!

Hey Photo, Isn't CHIPPY cute? You can see him when you come out to SF.

[Crex4242]

Never spoke any derogatory words to the officer. I Never said ANYTHING.

The reason I didn't, is because I didn't want to open my mouth for fear of him smelling the alky on my breath.

See, I just had left a bachelors party and was fuucckkkinnnn HAMMERED.

I guess I should be happy with just the seat belt ticket.

Anyways, Happy New Year y'all!! and remember "click it or ticket" or/and "don't drink and drive!!"



You just answered your own question with an outlook for police officers like that. You keep that attitude when you sit in jail for 8 hours for DUI and you pay about 5000 dollars for that FIRST DUI. I bet you have some other issues on your driving record anyways. All of law-enforcement officers are out on the roads looking for drivers like you on the streets. Happy New Years to you from all of the Police Officer's on here.

[Photogrrlz]

Yeppers!!!!!!!

Hey Photo, Isn't CHIPPY cute? You can see him when you come out to SF.


Doesnt he need water?

[deputy x 2]

Doesnt he need water?
Are you serious? You're making me lmmo! SF is surrounded by water. The Pacific Ocean and SF bay. He has plenty of water.

[Photogrrlz]

Are you serious? You're making me lmmo! SF is surrounded by water. The Pacific Ocean and SF bay. He has plenty of water.

well how can he get water on the trunk of a cruiser??? :confused:

[deputy x 2]

well how can he get water on the trunk of a cruiser??? :confused:

He was found 60 miles inland..shot in the head..while waiting for Mammal Control, he jumped on the trunk and was sunning himself.

BTW: they are NOT friendly..they will chase you. He probably weighs in excess of 300 pounds....

[Dolmen]

Oh!!! Before another cop decides to "pick" on you....Do you know about the law that mandates, if your windshield wipers are ON you HAVE to turn on your headlights??????

This is very interesting, can you point me to the CVC section that mandates it? (I'm not being argumentative, this is one law that makes complete sense to me).

[SgtScott31]

So I take it, No seatbelt is a primary offense in CA.

In Ohio, it is a secondary offense

Used to be secondary offense in TN as well, but changed last year. I'm glad. ;)

[deputy x 2]

Doesnt he need water?

Like do you mean, he has to stay in water...like a dolphin?

[CHPMarine]

i wouldnt even give someone from monterey/santa cruz county the time of day in argueing about a ticket. everyone up there thinks they are wrongfully ticketed, and will come up with every excuse in the book. everyone makes complaints and they all treat cops like SH*%.
last i checked, the patch on my arm said "California."

Tell you what, just for you, when i go into work tonight, i am going to go as deep into the city as possible and write someone a seatbelt ticket on the street in front of their house, just because i can.

seriously though,
the CHP is not primarily responsible for the city jurisdictions, though we often pass through the city incidentally to our duties. the fact that the city police gets paid to enforce the law in the city, and we take the county areas and freeways, does not mean that we cannot enforce the law in the city when we observe a violation, it doesnt even mean that we cant patrol inside the city if we really want to.

my advice to the complainer, pay the cheap ticket. in my opinion, seatbelt tickets are too cheap for the danger of not wearing them.

[Entre Nous]

I'd like to ask a variation on JR's question. Do you ever feel pressured by your PD to cite for seatbelt violations over other offenses? I was asking a motor officer is he could stop some of the cars that go through my neighborhood with extremely loud engines. He said the PD receives a grant to give no-seatbelt tickets so it's a high priority, and he'd be laughed at if he wrote for lesser offenses while they have this grant. :(