NEW YORK - The New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Police Troop T Wednesday announced the launch of the Statewide seat belt enforcement initiative, "Buckle Up New York." The 14-day campaign will begin Monday, May 19 and continue until Sunday, June 1.

Beginning Monday, May 19, and continuing through Sunday, June 1, Troop T, along with law enforcement across New York State, will staff safety restraint checkpoints and patrol the 570-mile New York State Thruway ensuring seatbelt compliance.

State Police Troop T issued approximately 17,000 tickets to motorists not wearing their seat belts while traveling the Thruway during 2007.

Drivers and front-seat passengers who are 16 years of age and older maybe fined up to $50 for failing to buckle up. Drivers who fail to have children properly secured may be fined $100 and receive three points on their license.