Memorial Day ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign underway across North Carolina

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — As Memorial Day travelers prepare to hit the roads for one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, state and local law enforcement agencies across North Carolina are urging drivers and passengers to buckle up every time they get in a vehicle.

The annual Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign, led by the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program, began Monday and will continue through May 31.

The statewide campaign combines public awareness efforts with increased law enforcement patrols focused on seat belt enforcement and reducing preventable traffic deaths and injuries.

“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 Memorial Day enforcement campaign, officers across the state issued 4,762 citations to drivers and passengers who were not properly restrained.

According to state officials, more than 460 people were killed and another 1,027 seriously injured in 2024 in crashes where seat belts or child safety seats were not being used.

Throughout the campaign, drivers can expect increased enforcement of North Carolina’s seat belt laws on highways and local roads statewide, particularly during the busy holiday travel period.

Officials are also reminding travelers to avoid distractions, obey posted speed limits and plan ahead before traveling during the Memorial Day weekend.