Traffic studies have found that seatbelt usage drops at night. For that reason, some law enforcement agencies are specifically enforcing seatbelt laws at night.

Hays Police Sergeant Mitch Berens says there are different methods for seatbelt enforcement at night including regular patrols and safety check lanes. He says the best method is having a spotter in a well-lit area who can relay violations to a patrol unit.

The department uses KDOT grants for the special enforcement programs.