(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana law enforcement agencies are increasing seat belt enforcement patrols as part of the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign.
The campaign runs from May 11 through May 31 and includes the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, Indiana State Police, and local law enforcement agencies across the state.
Officials say officers will work overtime patrols focused on seat belt use and proper child restraint compliance.
The overtime enforcement is funded through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute's Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program.
Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Executive Director Douglas Huntsinger says seat belts remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce injuries and save lives in crashes.
According to the state, Indiana has seen a steady decline in fatalities involving unbelted passenger vehicle occupants since 2021.
The state says seat belt usage among Hoosiers reached 94.1 percent in 2025 based on Purdue University's Annual Seat Belt Usage Survey conducted with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Officials say that rate is above the national average of 91.2 percent recorded in 2024.
Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott says the agency has a zero-tolerance policy for seat belt violations.
Indiana law requires drivers and all passengers to wear seat belts. Children under age eight must be properly secured in an approved child restraint or booster seat.
Officials say drivers can receive citations for their own seat belt violations as well as for unbuckled passengers under age 16.
Parents and caregivers can find child seat safety information through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Indiana's Safe Kids fitting station network.