The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is partnering with Indiana State Police (ISP) and local law enforcement agencies across the state to urge Hoosiers to buckle up as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign, a high-visibility enforcement effort focused on increasing seat belt use.
Beginning May 11 through May 31, 2026, officers will work overtime to ensure drivers and passengers are using their seat belts and children are properly secured. The overtime patrols are 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.”
Since 2021, Indiana has seen a steady decline in fatalities among passenger vehicle occupants who are not wearing seat belts. Seat belt usage among Hoosiers has also increased, reaching 94.1% in 2025 according to the Annual Seat Belt Usage Survey conducted by Purdue University Center for Road Safety in partnership with ICJI. This rate is above the national average of 91.2% usage in 2024.
“The Indiana State Police will continue in its efforts to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on Hoosier highways. In doing so, seat belt enforcement is a primary tool towards that goal,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott. “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 and as such if a motorist or passenger in a vehicle is found to be violating this law, a citation will be issued.”
Indiana law requires drivers and all passengers to buckle up. Children under age eight must be properly restrained in a federally approved child car seat or booster seat. Drivers can be cited for lack of seat belt use, but also for each unbuckled passenger under the age of 16.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make sure children are in the right car seat and that it is used correctly and properly installed. Resources can be found at www.nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat. To schedule an appointment with a certified car seat safety technician at one of Indiana’s 100 fitting stations, visit on.in.gov/SafeKids.
CHIRP is supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. For more information about ICJI’s traffic safety programs, visit www.in.gov/cji.
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