Washington Police Ramp Up Seatbelt Patrols 2026 

Key Points

• Washington Police Department in Washington, Indiana, is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) for the 2026 Click It or Ticket campaign.
• High-visibility enforcement effort runs from May 11 through the end of May 2026, focusing on seatbelt usage among drivers and passengers.
• Officers will work overtime patrols funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Indiana seatbelt usage reached 94.1% in 2025, with a steady decline in fatalities among passenger vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts over the last five years.
• Indiana law mandates seatbelts for all drivers and passengers; children under eight must use approved child car seats or booster seats.
• Drivers face citations for their own non-compliance or for unbuckled passengers under 16.
• Statement from ICJI Executive Director Douglas Huntsinger emphasises seatbelts as a simple, effective safety measure.
• Officer Mark Hudson of Washington Police Department urges buckling up and avoiding phone use.

Washington (Evening Washington News) – May 9, 2026 – The Washington Police Department is intensifying seatbelt enforcement through a partnership with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute for this year’s Click It or Ticket campaign. This high-visibility effort aims to boost seatbelt compliance among Hoosiers, with overtime patrols scheduled from May 11 to the end of the month. Funding for the extra officer hours comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What is the Click It or Ticket campaign in Washington, Indiana?

As reported by WTWO/WAWV staff in their coverage, the campaign urges drivers and passengers to buckle up consistently.

Officers will focus on ensuring compliance during the enforcement period. The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to reduce road fatalities through increased seatbelt use.

“Buckling up is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road,” said Douglas Huntsinger, Executive Director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, as quoted in the WTWO/WAWV report.

“Seatbelts save lives every day, and every trip should begin with making sure everyone is secured before hitting the road.”

The Washington Police Department highlighted positive trends in their statement to WTWO/WAWV.

Over the last five years, Indiana has observed a steady decline in fatalities among passenger vehicle occupants who were not wearing seatbelts. Statewide seatbelt usage has also risen to 94.1% in 2025.

When does the seatbelt enforcement campaign start and end?

The patrols commence on May 11, 2026, and continue until May 31. This timing coincides with warmer weather when road travel often increases. Officers working these overtime shifts will actively seek out non-compliance.

As per the WTWO/WAWV article, the extra patrols are fully funded by the NHTSA, allowing for sustained high-visibility presence without straining local budgets. This funding model supports similar campaigns across Indiana.

“Wear your seatbelt and lay down on your phone!” said Officer Mark Hudson of the Washington Police Department, according to WTWO/WAWV. His direct advice underscores the dual focus on seatbelts and distracted driving.

Who funds the overtime patrols for seatbelt checks?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the necessary funds for officer overtime.

This federal support enables local departments like Washington’s to participate effectively. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute coordinates the statewide rollout.

WTWO/WAWV detailed how this partnership leverages NHTSA resources to amplify local enforcement. Such collaborations have contributed to Indiana’s improving safety statistics.

What does Indiana law say about seatbelt requirements?

Indiana law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. This primary enforcement state allows officers to stop vehicles solely for seatbelt violations. Drivers can receive citations not only for themselves but also for any unbuckled passenger under the age of 16.

For younger children, specific rules apply. Those under eight must be restrained in a federally approved child car seat or booster seat. These provisions aim to protect the most vulnerable road users.

The WTWO/WAWV report confirmed these legal obligations without variation. Fines typically apply per unbuckled occupant, reinforcing personal responsibility.

How has seatbelt usage trended in Indiana over recent years?

State data shows seatbelt usage climbing to 94.1% in 2025. This marks continued progress from prior years. The decline in unbelted occupant fatalities over five years correlates with these gains.

According to the Washington Police Department via WTWO/WAWV, heightened awareness and enforcement have driven these improvements. Campaigns like Click It or Ticket play a key role in sustaining momentum.

Why is the Washington Police Department increasing patrols now?

Local authorities cite ongoing needs to maintain high compliance rates. Even with 94.1% usage, the remaining gap represents preventable risks. The May timing targets spring and early summer travel patterns.

Douglas Huntsinger’s statement to WTWO/WAWV reinforces the life-saving potential of universal buckling. Officer Hudson’s remark extends the message to common distractions like mobile phones.

Background of the Click It or Ticket Development

The Click It or Ticket campaign originated as a national programme led by the NHTSA in the early 2000s. It emphasises zero-tolerance enforcement periods to deter non-use through visible police presence. In Indiana, the ICJI has managed local implementations since the programme’s inception, tailoring it to state laws and data.

Indiana adopted primary seatbelt enforcement in 2000, empowering officers to act independently of other violations. Usage rates have risen steadily since, from around 80% in the early 2000s to the current 94.1%. The Washington Police Department’s involvement reflects a pattern of annual participation by many Indiana municipalities.

This year’s dates align with the 2026 national schedule, building on prior successes in fatality reduction. The partnership model with NHTSA funding dates back to the campaign’s federal launch, ensuring broad reach without local cost burdens.

Prediction: Impact on Hoosier Drivers and Passengers

This development can lead to higher seatbelt compliance during May 2026, potentially lowering crash injury rates in Washington, Indiana. Hoosier drivers and passengers may face more frequent checks, increasing awareness and habitual buckling. Sustained 94%+ usage could further reduce unbelted fatalities, easing pressure on emergency services.

Families with young children under eight might prioritise proper restraints more diligently amid visible enforcement. Overall, the campaign reinforces legal obligations, possibly stabilising or improving the five-year downward trend in occupant deaths for this audience.