Well, guess what happened yesterday?
I got a traffic ticket. I haven't gotten one of those in years. And for the most remarkable and un-American reason that comes to mind. For a seat belt! And it wasn't even mine!
Guess what everybody... The imperial state of Delaware has decided to save us from ourselves. We must all wear seat belts, or the mighty police will swoop down and deprive us of our cash. Thank God the government is there to protect us. Thank God that they saved me from my passenger not wearing a seat belt. What's more, they were kind enough to give me a ticket for $40, to help me remember.
Bastards.
Personally, I think this is one of the silliest laws that I have seen in quite some time. How does a person's failure to wear a seat belt endanger anyone other than them self?
Also, why do the police have time to stop people for this offence? As far as I know, there are still real crimes being committed somewhere in the state. I'm fairly certain of it.
I've looked into the state laws. Here's the lowdown:
Delaware Code, Title 21, Chapter 48, Paragraph 4802, Sentence 2:
The driver of a motor vehicle shall secure or cause to be secured in a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt system, as defined by the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, each occupant of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle who is 16 years of age or older.
So, I've got only one option now. That's to fight the ticket. Is there really any question? Of course I'm going to fight it! I'm going to get my $40 worth out of this state.. Here is how I intend to win...
Notice that the law requires passengers over 16 years of age to wear a seat belt. My passenger was never asked for identification. His age was never considered.
Although small children are required to be in safety seats; there is no specific requirement for persons that are between 12 and 16 years old. Without verification of age, there is reasonable doubt to the age of my passenger.
Now.... It's time to go into court, and keep my damned $40. Hell yeah!
Oh, yeah. Here's the ticket in question:
