Operation Night Life Kicks Off Monday

HARRISBURG - Lights and sirens will be flashing and sounding across the state as more than 425 municipal police departments conduct seatbelt enforcement efforts as part of Operation Nightlife on Aug. 4.

A two-week crackdown, Operation Nightlife will focus on enforcing the seatbelt law from 9 p.m. tp 5 a.m., when more than 40 percent of fatal, unbelted crashes occurred last year.

"Although more motorists than ever are buckling up on Pennsylvania highways, we are seeing a high number of crashes at night where the driver is not wearing a seatbelt," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. "No one can predict when a crash occurs, which is why it is essential to wear your seatbelt each time you get in a vehicle."

PennDOT statistics show that of the more than 400 people who lost their lives in nighttime crashes last year, more than half were not wearing a seatbelt.
Under Pennsylvania law, all front seat passengers are required to buckle up.

PennDOT reminds motorists that children ages 4 to 8 must be restrained in an appropriate booster seat when riding anywhere in a motor vehicle. In addition, children ages 8 to 18 must be in a seatbelt when riding anywhere in the vehicle. Both of these laws are secondary, which means drivers can be ticketed only when cited for another traffic violation such as speeding.

The state’s primary child passenger safety law states that children under the age of four must be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat anywhere in the vehicle. The fine for non-use of child safety and booster seats is a maximum of $100, in addition to other costs. Failure to comply with the seatbelt law can result in a penalty of $60, including the fine and other costs.

PennDOT will invest nearly $500,000 in the two-week seatbelt enforcement.