West Virginia Launches ‘Click It or Ticket’ Seatbelt Enforcement Campaign

Upshur County and communities across West Virginia will see increased law enforcement presence as a statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaign begins Friday, March 6, and runs through March 23. The initiative aims to boost seatbelt usage and reduce traffic fatalities.

Campaign Details and Goals

The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) announced the high-visibility enforcement effort as a precursor to the national seatbelt campaign in May. The primary goal is to ensure all vehicle occupants – drivers and passengers, in both front and back seats – are properly restrained during every trip.

“During this mobilization, law enforcement officers across West Virginia will be out in full force. They will be strictly ticketing drivers who are unbuckled or who are transporting children not properly restrained in car seats,” stated Jack McNeely, Director of the GHSP.

Concerning Statistics Highlight Need for Enforcement

Data reveals a concerning trend in seatbelt usage and its impact on fatalities. In 2023, 40% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in West Virginia crashes were not wearing seatbelts [1]. The state’s overall seatbelt usage rate has declined from 91.9% in 2024 to 91.6% in 2025.

Rural Roads Present Elevated Risk

The GHSP emphasizes that drivers in rural areas face a particularly elevated risk, despite a common perception that country roads are safer. In 2023, 65% of the state’s traffic fatalities occurred in rural areas, compared to 35% in urban centers.

Legal Consequences and Campaign Philosophy

Under West Virginia law, wearing a seatbelt is mandatory. A citation for a seatbelt violation carries a $25 fine. But, McNeely stresses that the campaign’s focus is not on financial penalties.

“Click It or Ticket isn’t about the citations; it’s about saving lives,” McNeely explained. “A ticket is a wake-up call. It is far less expensive than the alternative — paying with your life or the lives of your family and friends.”

Resources and Further Information

For more information about the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program, visit highwaysafety.wv.gov or call 304-926-2509 [1]. The GHSP is the lead agency for the state’s participation in federally funded highway safety initiatives [2], aligning with the 2024-2026 triennial highway safety plan [4].