Seat Belt Enforcement

The Amherst Police Department will be conducting a zero tolerance seat belt enforcement initiative from May 7 – 12, 2012. Officers will be out on selected dates and times actively enforcing all Massachusetts motor vehicle laws. If operators or passengers are found not to be wearing their seat belt they will be issued a citation. The goals are to increase effective enforcement of traffic related laws, and to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes.


Massachusetts law requires all drivers and passengers to be properly restrained in a safety belt, booster seat or child safety seat. A driver may be stopped by police solely for having a child 12 years of age or younger improperly restrained ($25 fine per unbuckled occupant). Children under 5 and weighing 40 pounds or less must be properly secured in a child safety seat. For more information contact Lieutenant William Menard at menardw@amherstma.gov or Sergeant Todd Lang at langt@amherstma.gov .

The Amherst Police Department conducts Child Passenger Car Seat inspections on the 3rd SATURDAY of each month, 3:00PM-6PM, by appointment only. Amherst Police certified technicians will thoroughly inspect child passenger car seats for wear and effectiveness and install it properly to assure the safest ride for our children. To schedule a 30 minute appointment either email the Amherst Police Department at police@amherstma.gov call 413-259-3355 and leave a voicemail. Questions can also be forwarded to Patrol Officer Michael Forcum at forcumm@amherstma.gov at 413-259-3000.