PHILADELPHIA, PA — Pennsylvania drivers can expect increased enforcement through the end of May as state officials launch a statewide seat belt campaign aimed at reducing preventable crash deaths.
What This Means for You
- Police will increase seat belt enforcement through May 31
- Drivers and passengers can be ticketed for not buckling up
- Free car seat checks are available across PA
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced the start of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which runs through May 31 and emphasizes strict enforcement of seat belt laws.
Officials said the campaign comes as data show hundreds of deaths each year involve unbuckled occupants.
Crash Data Highlights Risk
In 2025, Pennsylvania recorded 9,696 crashes involving at least one unbelted occupant, resulting in 259 fatalities and 733 suspected serious injuries.
State officials estimate that about 90 percent of unbelted occupants killed in passenger vehicle crashes—233 people—could have survived if they had been wearing a seat belt.
“‘Click it or Ticket’ isn’t about issuing citations; it’s about saving lives,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said.
Enforcement and Public Outreach
The campaign includes high-visibility enforcement, with a coordinated statewide effort scheduled for Thursday, May 21. Police will conduct nighttime patrols, traffic enforcement zones, and speed enforcement operations on roads with high rates of unbuckled crashes.
Officials are also offering free child seat fitting events across Pennsylvania, where certified technicians will check installation and ensure seats meet safety standards.
“As we approach the busy summer travel season, I encourage everyone to buckle up whether you are driving or riding as a passenger,” PSP Captain Jonathan Sunderlin said.
State Law Requirements
Pennsylvania law requires drivers, front-seat passengers, and anyone under 18 to wear a seat belt.
Children under age 4 must be secured in an approved child safety seat, while children under age 2 must ride in a rear-facing seat until they exceed manufacturer limits. Booster seats are required for children ages 4 to 8.
Officials noted that nearly half of all car seats nationwide are installed incorrectly, increasing risks for children in crashes.
Safety Resources
A full schedule of child seat fitting events is available at psp.pa.gov. Additional information on child passenger safety can be found at www.pakidstravelsafe.org or by calling 1-800-CAR-BELT.
The campaign is funded through PennDOT using federal support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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