State and Local Government / Transportation

If You’re Going to Harass Drivers, Do It Right

By Sarah Brodsky on Apr 27, 2009

I’m amused by this editorial in the Kansas City Star. It laments the fact that police in Missouri and Kansas can’t pull over drivers just for not wearing a seat belt. Then it says that raising the fine for not wearing a seat belt, from $10 to $100, is uncalled for.

If driving without a seat belt is so bad that the police should pull you over for it, then it should be discouraged with a noticeable fine. If, however, the fine is not worth more than such a paltry amount, then the police shouldn’t stop you for that in the first place.

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Sarah Brodsky

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