More Than 110,000 Tickets Issued During ‘Buckle Up New York’ Campaign

Law enforcement agencies across the state issued more than 110,000 tickets in the annual “Buckle Up New York, Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign that ran from May 18 through 31, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee announced today.

The Committee sponsors the annual enforcement drive, designed to remind motorists of the importance of wearing your seat belt and properly restraining children every trip, every seat, every time.

“I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for their efforts to remind motorists how crucially important it is to wear a seat belt,” said Christian Jackstadt, Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. “The point is not simply to hand out tickets. The point is to encourage drivers to remember to buckle up every time. Most crashes occur close to home so even on a short trip, take those two seconds to click that seat belt. That simple act can save your life and the lives of the ones you love.”  

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Wearing a seat belt and using child safety seats is not only the law, but one of the most effective actions you can take to protect yourself in a crash. Although most drivers follow these measures on every trip, there are still many who don’t. We want to address seat belt and car seat compliance before tragedy strikes, and more lives are lost. We will continue our efforts alongside the Department of Motor Vehicles to reduce senseless tragedies caused by those who ignore New York’s seat belt laws.”

Juan Figueroa, Ulster County Sheriff and President of the NYS Sheriffs’ Association, said, “For the last couple of weeks in May law enforcement focused on occupant protection. Wearing seat belts and using child restraint devices are the easiest and most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes. The Buckle Up NY campaign undoubtably saved lives, but some folks didn’t wear seat belts and were ticketed. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to be safe in the vehicle and enjoy summer, so buckle up.  It’s simple, it’s smart, and it’s the law!” 

Chief David Catholdi of the Town of Brighton Police Department, President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, said, “The New York State Association of Chiefs of Police (NYSACOP) proudly supported the recent Buckle Up New York / Click It or Ticket seatbelt enforcement initiative.  Seat belt use is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent injury or death in a crash and by supporting this GTSC initiative, we continue to protect the lives of New Yorkers in every community.

Here is a breakdown of the tickets issued:

For more information about GTSC, visit GTSC's website, or follow the GTSC conversation on Facebook, X and Instagram.

###