Philadelphia, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced the National “Click It or Ticket” campaign, beginning Monday, May 11, and running through Sunday, May 31.
The Shapiro Administration hosted an event at Citizens Bank Park, along with the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, Delaware State Police, PA Traffic Injury Prevention Project (PA TIPP), AAA Mid-Atlantic, and the Phillie Phanatic. At the event, the agencies delivered a zero-tolerance message to unbuckled drivers.
“‘Click it or Ticket’" isn’t about issuing citations; it’s about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Wearing a seat belt can increase your chances of surviving a crash by 60 percent? A simple click can make a significant difference. So, let’s buckle up and stay safe out there!”
In 2025, there were 9,696 crashes in Pennsylvania where at least one occupant was not wearing a seat belt, resulting in 259 fatalities and 733 suspected serious injuries. It is estimated that 90 percent of unbelted occupants, or 233 people, who were killed in crashes while traveling in passenger vehicles could have survived if they had been buckled up.
Pennsylvania law requires drivers, front-seat passengers, and any occupant younger than 18 to buckle up when riding in a vehicle. Children under age 4 must be properly secured in an approved child safety seat. Children under age 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the maximum weight and height limits designated by the seat manufacturer. Booster seats are required for children ages 4 to 8.
“As we approach the busy summer travel season, I encourage everyone to buckle up whether you are driving or riding as a passenger,” said PSP Captain Jonathan Sunderlin. “Troopers who are certified as child passenger safety technicians can ensure that your car seat is installed correctly, fits your child properly, and meets safety standards. This simple step could save a life.”
Throughout the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, PSP troopers certified as child passenger safety technicians are offering free child seat fitting events across Pennsylvania, helping ensure that car seats are in good working condition, installed properly, and free from recalls. A complete list of days and times can be found at psp.pa.gov.
“Car seats, booster seats, and seat belts save lives,” said PA TIPP Assistant Director Teresa Rychlak. “It is crucial for caregivers to secure children in the appropriate seat based on their age, weight, and height. One of the most common mistakes caregivers make is transitioning a child to the next car seat too soon, before the child is ready.”
Nationally, nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. For more information about child passenger safety and to find a certified car seat technician near you, call 1-800-CAR-BELT or visit www.pakidstravelsafe.org.
“A seat belt can save your life, but only if you wear it,” stated New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Michael J. Rizol, Jr. "During the annual 'Click It or Ticket' campaign, we work with our state and federal partners to emphasize this important safety message. We want to remind the public that not wearing a seat belt is not only irresponsible and dangerous, but it is also against the law."
On Thursday, May 21, as part of the campaign, police agencies across Pennsylvania will take part in nighttime coordinated high-visibility enforcement using roving patrols, traffic enforcement zones, and speed enforcement details on roadways with high rates of unbuckled crashes.
The “Click It or Ticket” is part of Pennsylvania’s Highway Safety Program and is funded through PennDOT with federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For more information on safe driving in Pennsylvania, visit pa.gov/dotsafety.
PennDOT’s media resources web page offers social media-sized graphics for numerous transportation-related campaigns, including safety topics such as aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seat belts for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.
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Editor’s Note: Photos and video from this event will be available at www.PAcast.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jennifer Kuntch, PennDOT, jkuntch@pa.gov or Krys Johnson, krysjohnso@pa.gov
Sgt. Logan Brouse, PSP, 717-783-5556 or ra-pspcomm@pa.gov
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