Indiana State Police Launches ‘Click It or Ticket’ Campaign Ahead of Summer Travel Season

INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO) — The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is teaming up with Indiana State Police (ISP) and local law enforcement agencies across the state to remind Hoosiers to buckle up as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

The high-visibility enforcement effort begins May 11 and runs through May 31, 2026. During that time, officers will conduct overtime patrols focused on ensuring drivers and passengers are properly wearing seat belts and that children are correctly secured in vehicles.

Officials say the overtime enforcement is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through ICJI’s Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP).

“Buckling up is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “Seat belts save lives every day, and every trip should begin with making sure everyone is secured before hitting the road.”

State data shows Indiana has seen a steady decline in fatalities involving unrestrained vehicle occupants since 2021. Seat belt usage has also continued to rise, reaching 94.1% in 2025, according to the Annual Seat Belt Usage Survey conducted by Purdue University’s Center for Road Safety in partnership with ICJI. That rate is higher than the national average of 91.2% reported in 2024.

Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott emphasized that seat belt enforcement remains a top priority for troopers.

“The Indiana State Police will continue in its efforts to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on Hoosier highways,” Scott said. “Seat belt enforcement is a primary tool toward that goal. It is well known that by wearing a seat belt, a driver and passengers in a motor vehicle stand a 50% greater chance of surviving a crash than not wearing one. The Indiana State Police have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to seat belt violations.”

Under Indiana law, all drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts. Children under the age of eight must be properly secured in a federally approved car seat or booster seat. Drivers can be cited not only for their own seat belt violations, but also for each unbuckled passenger under the age of 16.

Officials are also urging parents and caregivers to ensure children are in the correct car seat for their age, height, and weight, and that it is properly installed. Resources, including car seat guidance and inspection appointments, are available through NHTSA and Indiana safety programs.

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is part of ongoing statewide efforts to improve roadway safety and reduce preventable traffic injuries and fatalities.

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