Here In ND-Not Feeling The Seatbelt? Be Prepared To Pay $$ Soon

In my own personal experience, I have found that North Dakota sure seems to have a little more freedom on the roads...

...then say where I am from - San Diego, California. I'm talking about certain laws, like wearing helmets when you ride a motorcycle - as per dmv.ca.gov "All riders and passengers are required per CVC §27803 to wear a U.S. DOT compliant motorcycle safety helmet when riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle"  Well things are a little more relaxed when that same issue here in North Dakota.

Here is the North Dakota Motorcycle Helmet Law...

...according to nd.gov "...a person under 18 years of age who operates or rides a motorcycle, must wear a helmet which complies with standards established by the U.S. DOT. If the operator of the motorcycle is required to wear a helmet, any passenger must also wear a helmet, regardless of the age of the passenger"  - as I said, a little more freedom.

Very soon the freedom of "Not Feeling The Seatbelt" will be taken away

I never knew this until today, IF a police officer in North Dakota saw you at the stoplight or driving by him or her in traffic, and you were NOT wearing your seatbelt, by law you were protected and could not be pulled over unless another traffic violation had occurred - In California if you are pulling out of your driveway and you are not "Strapped" in, no doubt a ticket was coming your way. Things are going to change this year in ND, and it could cost you a fine of $20.

After July if you STILL insist on NOT buckling in, your wallet may take a hit

I actually am all for this, sure freedom is nice, but this one is for your own good and safety! According to kvrr.com  "...Governor Doug Burgum signed the bill into law after the legislature passed a primary seatbelt bill" This will take effect starting in August - SO after July, police can and WILL pull you over if you still fail to comply. I mean, come on now, how much freedom do you think you have unbuckled? I will leave you with this staggering statistic - thezebra.com reports "Wearing your seatbelt as a front-seat passenger can limit your chances of moderate to fatal injury by 50% and of dying by 45%".