The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on Apr. 3 that the first Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement period of the year will take place statewide from April 6 through April 12. During this week, drivers across Colorado can expect increased patrols by the Colorado State Patrol and officers from 26 local law enforcement agencies, with a focus on issuing citations to unbuckled drivers and passengers.
The campaign aims to reduce roadway fatalities by encouraging more people to use seat belts. Last year, officers issued over 1,100 citations during this same enforcement period and more than 5,000 tickets throughout all three annual Click It or Ticket operations. According to recent research by CDOT, seat belt usage in Colorado has reached its highest recorded level at 90.7 percent—a rise from the previous rate of 88.2 percent in 2024—but it remains slightly below the national average of 91.2 percent as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
“Seat belts are the most effective life-saving tool we have in a vehicle,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “While over 90% of Coloradans already make the right choice to wear a seat belt, our goal is 100%. So far in 2026, 55% of the fatal crashes troopers have responded to have included a driver or passenger not wearing their seat belt. It’s up to all of us to insist everyone in the vehicle buckle up.” The state’s updated laws now require primary seat belt use for those aged up to eighteen years old; violations are considered primary offenses allowing officers to pull over vehicles if an unrestrained minor is observed.
Shoshana Lew, executive director for CDOT according to the official website, commented on trends among teenagers: “Even though we’re seeing positive trends in seat belt and restraint usage for Colorado motorists, there’s still work to do,” said Lew. “The updates to the law have helped protect teenagers in cars, whether they’re driving or riding as passengers. While teenager fatalities without seat belts are falling, this age group still has the lowest use rate.” In fact, data show that last year among teens who died in passenger vehicle crashes statewide, about two-thirds were not restrained.
To promote safer habits among young drivers this summer, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and Sonic Drive-In will reward buckled-up teen drivers with free Sonic Slush coupons at checkpoints throughout Arapahoe County. “Whether you’re a new driver or an experienced one, take the time to buckle up before hitting the road,” said Arapahoe Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dennis Dempsey.
According to its official website (https://www.codot.gov), CDOT works across transportation sectors including highways and transit while aiming for safe travel solutions that enhance quality of life throughout Colorado.
