Illinois State Police issue tickets as part of patrols

Illinois State Police District 19 officers recently held two special patrols in Saline and Gallatin Counties that resulted in the enforcement of wearing a seat belt and removing alcohol-impaired drivers from the road.

"These patrols reinforce the occupant protection message by targeting those who choose to ignore the law," said the district in a press release Monday.

Enforcement figures from the Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrol (OREP) conducted in Saline County on Monday, May 18 say 13 safety belt citations were issued, along with one child restraint citation.

The other patrol was a Nighttime Enforcement Patrol (NITE). NITE patrols are designed to keep roads safe by removing alcohol-impaired drivers. However, when other violations are observed, such as driving with a suspended or revoked license, operating a vehicle without a valid registration or insurance, or safety belt violations, enforcement action may be taken.

Citations were issued for two registration, three driver's license and three occupant restraint offenses during the patrol. Two citations were also issued for an alcohol or drug arrest.

The patrol projects were funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Safety.