The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on April 3 that the first Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement period of the year will take place from April 6 through April 12. During this time, state and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols and issue citations to drivers and passengers who are not wearing seat belts.
This initiative aims to reduce roadway fatalities by encouraging more people to use seat belts. Last year, over a thousand drivers received citations during the same week-long campaign, and more than five thousand tickets were issued throughout all three annual Click It or Ticket periods. According to recent research by the Colorado Department of Transportation, seat belt usage in Colorado has reached its highest recorded level at 90.7 percent, which is a notable increase from the previous year’s rate but still slightly below the national average 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 enforcement for minors up to age eighteen, allowing officers to stop vehicles if they observe an unrestrained minor.
A CDOT graph shows that while teenage fatalities without seat belts are declining due to these legal changes, teenagers still have one of the lowest rates for buckling up. “Even though we’re seeing positive trends in seat belt and restraint usage for Colorado motorists, there’s still work to do,” said Shoshana Lew, executive director for CDOT according to their official website. “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 2025 alone, sixty-five percent of teen crash victims were not restrained.
To further promote safety among young drivers this summer, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and Sonic Drive-In will distribute free drink coupons as rewards for teens who wear their seat belts while driving or riding as passengers. “Whether you’re a new driver or an experienced one, take the time to buckle up before hitting the road,” said Deputy Dennis Dempsey from Arapahoe Sheriff’s Office.
According to information on the official website, CDOT works across transportation sectors including highways and transit systems with goals centered on improving quality of life through integrated solutions; it also oversees infrastructure statewide and maintains major roads while supporting aviation projects.
