NASHVILLE (AP) — Fines for not wearing seat beats in Tennessee will more than double at the beginning of next year.

The Tennessean (http://tnne.ws/1OoCW8w) reports the cost of a first-time violation will rise from $10 to $25, and the cost of a second violation goes from $20 to $50.

The hike in fines will come months after the Tennessee Governor's Highway Safety Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol announced that seat belt usage is down this year.

THP Commander Col. Tracy Trott said seat belts save lives and he hopes the higher fines push more people to change their behavior and wear them.