TxDOT launches Click It or Ticket campaign for extra law enforcement presence on the road

The Texas Department of Transportation is teaming up with law enforcement to crack down on unbuckled drivers and passengers across the state.

Increased patrols will run for two weeks starting May 18, 2026, as part of the Click It or Ticket campaign. Officers will be watching for anyone not wearing a seat belt.

In 2025, 965 people who died in traffic crashes on Texas roads were not buckled up. That was a 10% decline from the previous year, which had 1,072 unbuckled deaths.

Studies show one in 10 Texans do not buckle up. That's more than 3 million people, according to a news release.

"A seat belt can be the difference between walking away from a crash and never making it home, but only if you're wearing it," TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said in a statement. "Whether you're going just a few blocks or many miles, buckle your seat belt every time, day and night."

Texas law requires all drivers and passengers to buckle up or face fines and court costs up to $200. Children younger than 8 years old must be in a child car seat or booster seat unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches.

If a child is not properly secured, the driver faces fines up to $250 plus court costs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates the Texas campaign has saved more than 8,600 lives, prevented 157,000 serious injuries and resulted in $35 billion in economic savings since its launch in 2002.

The Click It or Ticket campaign is part of TxDOT's "Drive Like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe." initiative.