Kansas motorists soon will face a tougher

state seat belt law.

Gov. Mark Parkinson signed a bill Thursday to strengthen the

law. Traffic safety groups and public health advocates believe it

will save lives.

The new law, taking effect next week, will require every

occupant of a vehicle to buckle up. Existing law didn’t require

adults to wear seat belts if they weren’t in the front seat.

Law enforcement officers will be allowed to stop vehicles for

seat-belt violations. Current law says they have to have another

reason for a stop, such as speeding.

In June, violators will receive warning tickets.

Then, for a year, they’ll face a $5 fine. The fine will double

to $10 in July 2011.