From May 11 through May 31, 2026, law enforcement agencies across Washington will participate in the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Troopers and officers will be looking for drivers and passengers who are not buckled up and children who are not in appropriate child safety or booster seats.
Washington passed its primary seat belt law in 2002, which allows a traffic stop for seat belt violations. Since then, Washington’s seat belt use has been consistently high, reaching about 94 percent of vehicle drivers and passengers today.
While only about six percent of Washingtonians regularly travel unbuckled, unrestrained occupants account for 1 out of 3 motor vehicle fatalities.
Unrestrained occupants are more likely to die, particularly when vehicles roll over or occupants are ejected in a crash. Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, and they provide far less protection from blunt-force trauma for an unbuckled passenger.
During the annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign, officers will be looking for unbuckled drivers and passengers to remind them that the simple act of fastening your seat belt can save your life if, and when, the unexpected happens.
“This is a good time to remind parents that you are setting an example for your children every time you get behind the wheel,” said Mark McKechnie, Policy and Communications Director at the Washington Traffic Safety, “If you use your seat belt every time and insist everyone is buckled up, they will likely practice this safe habit throughout their lives, too.”
For more information about seat belts and how to keep you and your loved ones safe behind the wheel, visit https://togetherwegetthere.com/seat-belts.