DORSET Police are urging motorists to not break the law and wear their seatbelt or they could receive a fine of up to £500.

The warning comes as part of a week-long, country-wide education and enforcement campaign, which highlights safety while behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Police have said officers will be carrying out vehicle checks and patrols across the county if motorists and passengers are spotting not wearing a seatbelt or wearing one incorrectly.

A spokesman from Dorset Police said: "This week we are part of a country-wide education and enforcement campaign in relation to seat belts and car seats.

"Every day we deal with drivers and passengers who aren’t wearing a seatbelt.

"We’ll be carrying out checks and patrols across the county to stop vehicles if occupants are not wearing seatbelts, or wearing them incorrectly.

"Those caught breaking the law can be fined up to £500.

"You’re twice as likely to die and 30 times more likely to be catapulted out of a vehicle in a crash if you don’t wear one.

"You can also injure or kill other people."