Authorities In Maine Say You Better Buckle Up Or Be Ready To Pay The Price

With a record setting number of folks taking to the roads this holiday weekend, law those in charge of Maine's roadways are reminding people to buck up, or risk the consequences.

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Travel experts, AAA, say they expect 44.95 million Americans will be traveling between May 22 through May 25th, up 0.4% from last year, with 39 million of those going by automobile.

Experts says that seatbelt usage in the Pine Tree state, in Maine at about 92%, the numbers have started to show a dip, which has officials worried. So authorities will be stepping up their game, and keeping an eye out for those who aren't wearing their belts.

The annual Maine Bureau of Highway Safety "Click it or ticket" campaign, runs from May 11–31 this year.  

Folks with the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety say members of Maine's law enforcement agencies will be looking for anyone who isn't wearing their seatbelt this Memorial Day weekend, issuing tickets to those not in compliance.

Highway Safety Director Lauren Stewart says that Maine's law enforcement agents will be taking a "no-excuses" approach this year, as they issue tickets both day and night.

"Wearing a seatbelt is the easiest way to ensure that you remain in your seat and in the car should a crash occur. So, Buckle Up. No Excuses!... Every seat belt worn is a step towards safer roads and saving lives.”

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What kind of penalties could you face for not belting up in a car in Maine? For a first offence, a fine of about $50. But if you're a repeat offender, it could reach up to $250.

Highway Safety Coordinator Erica Davis.says she hopes loved ones will remind each other of the importance of buckling up.

"We are asking friends and family to remind each other to buckle up in the front and back seats and to consider changing their habits if they don’t. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up.””

The data shows that the number of unrestrained fatalities on Maine roadways from 2023 to 2025 was 336, with 127 of those fatalities occurring at night, and 209 during the day.

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety says we're coming into the 100 Deadliest Days of summer, and the increase in holiday traffic only makes things riskier. During the 100 Deadliest Days, authorities see a sharp increase in fatalities , especially among younger drivers, because of the summer vacation and impaired and distracted drivers.

So be careful out there on the roads this weekend, and remember to buckle up when on Maine roads.