CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia law enforcement will increase seatbelt enforcement beginning Friday, March 6, as part of a statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaign running through March 23. The initiative aims to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries by ensuring all vehicle occupants are properly restrained.
The campaign, announced by the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP), serves as a precursor to a national seatbelt enforcement effort planned for May. Officials emphasize the importance of seatbelt use for all passengers, regardless of seating position – front or back seat – and for both drivers and passengers. This renewed focus on seatbelt safety comes at a time when roadway safety remains a critical concern across the state.
“During this mobilization, law enforcement officers across West Virginia will be out in full force,” said Jack McNeely, Director of the GHSP. “They will be strictly ticketing drivers who are unbuckled or who are transporting children not properly restrained in car seats.”
The need for increased enforcement is underscored by recent statistics. In 2023, 40% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in West Virginia were not wearing seatbelts. The state’s overall seatbelt usage rate has seen a slight decline, dropping from 91.9% in 2024 to 91.6% in 2025, according to the GHSP.
Rural Roads Present Heightened Risk
While many assume rural roads are safer due to lower speeds, data reveals a different reality. In 2023, 65% of West Virginia’s traffic fatalities occurred in rural areas, compared to 35% in urban centers. This disparity highlights the increased vulnerability of drivers and passengers on less-traveled roads, making seatbelt use even more critical.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Under West Virginia law, failing to wear a seatbelt is a primary offense. A citation carries a $25 fine. However, McNeely stressed that the primary goal of “Click It or Ticket” isn’t revenue generation. “Click It or Ticket isn’t about the citations. it’s about saving lives,” he said. “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.”
A Statewide Effort to Improve Safety
The GHSP’s campaign will involve increased patrols and checkpoints throughout West Virginia. Law enforcement agencies across the state will be participating in the high-visibility enforcement effort. The program aims to change behavior through a combination of education and consistent enforcement of existing laws.
The GHSP is the lead agency for West Virginia’s participation in federally mandated and funded behavioral highway safety improvement measures, as outlined on the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website.
Understanding West Virginia’s Seatbelt Laws
West Virginia’s seatbelt law requires all drivers and passengers to be properly restrained while traveling in a motor vehicle. This includes the use of appropriate child safety seats for children of the required age and size. The law applies to all seating positions within the vehicle.
Looking Ahead: National Seatbelt Awareness Campaign
The “Click It or Ticket” campaign in West Virginia is designed to build momentum leading up to the national seatbelt awareness campaign in May. The national campaign will further emphasize the importance of seatbelt use and aim to reduce traffic fatalities nationwide. The GHSP will continue to monitor seatbelt usage rates and adjust its strategies as needed to improve roadway safety in West Virginia.
For more information about the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program, visit highwaysafety.wv.gov or call 304-926-2509.
The enforcement period concludes on March 23, but officials urge residents to build seatbelt use a habit every time they travel, regardless of trip length. The GHSP will release updated data on seatbelt usage and campaign effectiveness in the coming months.
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