The annual “Buckle Up New York, Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign has launched in New York.
The statewide campaign – now in its 21st year – raises awareness about the importance of wearing seat belts and will run through November 29.
State and local law enforcement agencies will use marked and unmarked vehicles, checkpoints, and roving details to patrol for unbelted occupants.
Law enforcement will also make sure children are properly restrained. During last year’s enforcement campaign, police issued 26,432 tickets for seat belt and child restraint violations.
“Wearing your seat belt isn’t only the law, but it’s the smartest choice you can make to help prevent a needless tragedy,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo.
In August, Governor Cuomo signed legislation that strengthens the state’s historic seat belt laws to better protect everyone on New York’s roadways.
As of November 1, 2020, everyone in passenger vehicles, regardless of where they sit, needs to wear a seat belt or be properly restrained in a child safety seat.
In New York, police can lawfully ticket motorists for not wearing a seat belt even if they are not committing any other traffic infractions.
