Deputies begin seat belt enforcement

In addition to the use of safety belts, sheriff's office personnel will focus on child safety seat and booster seat compliance. Drivers improperly restraining or failing to restrain a child passenger face a $97 fine.

Oregon law states that child passengers must be restrained in approved child safety seats until they weigh 40 pounds. Infants must ride rear facing until they reach both one year of age AND 20 pounds. Children over 40 pounds must use a booster seat until they are age 8 or 4'9" in height. A child taller than 4'9" or age 8 or older must be properly secured with the vehicle's safety belt.

Properly secured means that the lap belt is positioned low across the thighs and the shoulder belt is positioned over the collarbone and away from the neck.