BLOOMINGTON – The Monroe County Traffic Safety Partnership (TSP) is joining forces with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to launch a high-visibility seatbelt enforcement effort.
The “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which runs now through May 31, 2026, aims to ensure all drivers and passengers are buckled up and that children are properly secured in appropriate restraints.
During these three weeks, local officers will work overtime, specifically targeting seatbelt violations. These patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the state’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 ICJI. “Seatbelts save lives every day, and every trip should begin with making sure everyone is secured.”
The campaign comes as Indiana sees positive momentum in road safety. According to the Annual Seat Belt Usage Survey conducted by the Purdue University Center for Road Safety, Indiana’s seatbelt usage reached 94.1% in 2025—well above the 2024 national average of 91.2%.
“Too often, we see tragedies that could have been prevented with one simple click of a seatbelt,” noted Sergeant Garrett Mitchell. “Buckling up isn’t just the law. It’s a responsibility that helps ensure you make it home safely.”
Indiana law mandates that drivers and all passengers must wear a seatbelt. Additionally:
- Children under age 8 must be restrained in a federally approved child car seat or booster seat.
- Drivers can be cited for their own lack of seatbelt use and for every unbuckled passenger under the age of 16.
Resources for Parents
Authorities are encouraging parents and caregivers to double-check that car seats are installed correctly. Residents can schedule an appointment with a certified safety technician at one of Indiana’s 100 fitting stations by visiting on.in.gov/SafeKids.
For more information on traffic safety programs in Indiana, residents can visit www.in.gov/cji.
