Local authorities have vowed to strictly enforce a new law that allows officers to stop motorists who aren’t buckled in, even if they’ve committed no other infractions.

“The state legislature has determined and passed into law that we must wear our seat belts at all times and the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office believes that seat belts save lives and we will be enforcing the seat belt law,” Suwannee County Sheriff Tony Cameron said Tuesday.

Current law does not allow officials to enforce the seat belt law unless they suspect a motorist of other traffic violations. The new measure will allow law enforcement officials to stop and ticket those 18 and older who are not buckled up in the front seat. Anyone under 18 in the back seat must be restrained or in an approved child restraint system. The law goes into effect June 30.

“The city of Live Oak Police Department will fully enforce the law to ensure the safety of its citizens,” Live Oak Police Chief Buddy Williams said. “I feel like it is a step in the right direction to ensure the safety of ourselves and any occupants of the vehicle.”

The public information officer for Troop B of the Florida Highway Patrol said his agency is excited about the measure.

“We believe it’s going to save lives,” said Lt. Pat Riordan. “The FHP has taken a proactive step to heighten people’s awareness of this by keeping them informed with press releases.”

Florida is one of 29 states to adopt a primary seat belt law.