By: Najla Alexander
The Jersey City Department of Public Safety and the Jersey City Police Department will increase patrols for unbuckled drivers and passengers as part of this year’s national “Click It or Ticket” Seat Belt Enforcement Campaign from May 18 to May 31.
The initiative builds on the city’s focus on increasing traffic safety and reducing serious injuries and fatalities on our roadways, Jersey City officials stated. Reinforcing the City’s commitment to safer streets through targeted, data-driven enforcement, Jersey City relaunched its Traffic Enforcement Unit on May 1, 2026.
Since then, according to Jersey City officials, the unit has already issued 1,734 summonses for various traffic violations, underscoring the City’s renewed focus on reducing dangerous driving behaviors and improving safety for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users. This month's “Click It or Ticket” campaign supports enhanced enforcement efforts utilizing a $7,000 grant awarded to the City through the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
“Seat belts save lives, and this campaign is about making sure every driver and passenger understands that one simple action can prevent tragedy,” said Mayor James Solomon.
“Jersey City is committed to using education, enforcement, and public awareness to make our roads safer for everyone.”
During the enforcement period, Jersey City police officers will conduct high-visibility patrols and targeted enforcement details focused on seat belt compliance, occupant safety violations, and other hazardous driving behaviors. The grant will reimburse the Department for approved enforcement activities totaling up to 100 hours, Jersey City officials say.
“Traffic safety is public safety,” said Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.
“The goal of this initiative is not only to enforce the law, but also to remind motorists that seat belts are one of the most effective tools we have to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”
The “Click It or Ticket” campaign combines education and enforcement to encourage motorists and passengers to comply with New Jersey’s seat belt laws. Drivers and passengers are reminded that seat belts significantly reduce the risk of fatal injury and are required by law, according to Jersey City officials.
“Every stop, every patrol, and every reminder during this campaign is aimed at preventing serious injuries and saving lives,” said Police Chief Robert Kearns.
“We are asking every driver and passenger to buckle up every trip, every time.”
The campaign looks to encourage all motorists to:
• Always wear a seat belt
• Ensure all passengers are properly restrained
• Secure children in the appropriate child safety seats
• Avoid distracted and impaired driving
• Follow all traffic laws and drive responsibly
For additional traffic safety information, visit the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety website.