[DC native]

It is the state police at the tollbooths. I see them approximately once a month. I have no idea how they are lagally justifying it, but it is most definitely occurring. I chatted for a minute with one of the tollbooth operators about it and she verified that they were checking for seatbelt violations.

[angkor]

she verified that they were checking for seatbelt violations.

Interesting, because that's illegal under Virginia law.

§ 46.2-1094. Occupants of front seats of motor vehicles required to use safety lap belts and shoulder harnesses; penalty.

F. No citation for a violation of this section shall be issued unless the officer issuing such citation has cause to stop or arrest the driver of such motor vehicle for the violation of some other provision of this Code or local ordinance relating to the operation, ownership, or maintenance of a motor vehicle or any criminal statute.