Memorial Day ‘Click It Or Ticket’ Campaign Reminds Drivers To Buckle Up

RALEIGH, N.C. – As Memorial Day travelers hit North Carolina roads for the unofficial start of summer, state and local law enforcement agencies are reminding everyone to buckle up for every trip, every time.

The Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s annual Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign begins May 18 (today) and runs through May 31. The statewide initiative combines public awareness efforts with increased law enforcement patrols aimed at encouraging seat belt use and reducing preventable crash deaths.

“Wearing a seatbelt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in a crash,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “Taking just a few seconds to buckle up can save your life and the lives of others in your vehicle.”

During last year’s enforcement campaign, law enforcement officers issued 4,762 citations for people not wearing the proper restraints. In 2024, more than 460 people were killed and 1,027 others seriously injured because they were not wearing seat belts or child safety seats.

Throughout the campaign, drivers can expect increased enforcement of North Carolina’s seat belt law across the state. Law enforcement officers will be working to ensure drivers and passengers are properly restrained, especially during the busy holiday travel period.

The Memorial Day holiday historically marks one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, bringing heavier traffic to highways and local roads statewide. Officials encourage drivers to plan ahead, avoid distractions, obey speed limits and make safety a priority behind the wheel.