During an upcoming “Click It or Ticket” campaign in Grays Harbor County, the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office, Aberdeen, Elma, Hoquiam, Montesano and Ocean Shores police departments and the Washington State Patrol will place special emphasis on enforcing seat belt and proper child-restraint laws.
The national “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign will take place May 22 through June 4, says the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
Washington’s child passenger safety law (RCW 46.61.687) says:
Vehicle occupants of any age must be “properly” restrained:
— Under the age of 8 or 4’9” tall – must ride in an appropriate car safety seat. It must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
— Age 8 or taller than 4’9” – must use the seat belt correctly or continue use of a child safety seat.
— Under the age of 13 – must ride in the back seat “where it is practical to do so.”
The state Traffic Safety Commission advocates that children remain rear-facing in their child restraint until at least age 2 and says it provides them with the best protection of their spine, neck and head.