Local law enforcement will monitor traffic at seven locations throughout July to increase awareness of child safety restraint laws.
The emphasis patrols started today from 1 to 6 p.m. at Broadway Avenue and Sullivan Road. They continue Wednesday from 1 to 6 p.m. at 57th Avenue and Regal Street.
Other patrols are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Boulder Beach area of Upriver Drive and at the Spokane Valley Mall; on July 24 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Division Street and Francis Avenue; on July 25 at Valley Mission Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and on July 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harvard Road and Wellesley Avenue.
The patrols are part of a statewide effort to improve compliance with the state’s child safety restraint laws. Fines for violations are $124. The basic rules for child restraints are:
•Until age 13, children must ride in the rear seat of a vehicle.
•Children from newborn through 12 months and less than 20 pounds must be placed in a rear-facing seat.
•From age 13 months to 4 years, children should be in a child car seat with a five-point harness.
•From age 4 until the child is 4 feet 9 inches tall, children should ride in a booster seat. Boosters should only be placed with a lap and shoulder belt.
•The seat equipment, harnesses, and belts must be installed and used properly.