Atlanta Police Launch 'Click It or Get Ticket' Seat-Belt Campaign for Holiday Travelers

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 18:22 GMT by WSB-TV

Police Urge Drivers to Buckle Up This Holiday Travel Season

As families head out for holidays and weekend getaways, local law‑enforcement officials are stepping up their focus on seat‑belt compliance. In a new campaign dubbed “Click It or You Will Get Ticket,” police in the Atlanta area are reminding motorists that failure to buckle up—both for themselves and passengers—will lead to fines, points on licenses, and a spike in traffic stops during the busy travel period.

The “Click It” Message

At a press briefing held Friday morning in the Atlanta Police Department’s Media Center, Police Chief Brian Bostick stressed that the phrase “Click it” is not a casual suggestion but a stern warning. “We’re going to be very visible on the roads,” Bostick said. “If you don’t click your belt, we’re going to issue a ticket. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a new priority for the department during the holiday season.”

Chief Bostick cited a recent study by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) showing that seat‑belt usage drops by up to 10% during holiday weekends when drivers get distracted by traveling, meeting friends, or rushing to get home. “We’re seeing more accidents where the lack of a seat belt is a major contributing factor,” he added.

New Penalties and Enforcement Tools

The campaign is supported by newly introduced enforcement tools. Police now carry portable seat‑belt detection devices that can verify whether a driver’s belt is securely fastened. If a driver is found to have a belt that is not in the “click” position, officers will issue a citation on the spot. The citation will carry a fine of $45, with an additional $10 penalty for each point added to the driver’s record—points that could affect insurance rates and licensing status.

GDOT officials said the penalties are part of a broader initiative to reduce seat‑belt violations by 20% over the next year. “The ‘click’ feature on seat‑belts is a simple mechanical indicator that tells drivers whether the belt is locked,” a GDOT spokesperson told WSB-TV. “We want drivers to see that indicator as a cue to buckle up. The enforcement will reinforce that message.”

How the Program Works on the Road

During the first week of the holiday travel season, officers will conduct random checks in high‑traffic areas such as I‑75, I‑85, and the I‑20 corridor. They will use a “Click It” checklist, which includes:

1. Seat‑belt Check – Verify that the driver’s belt is clicked and that the passenger seat belt is also fastened.
2. Child‑Seat Compliance – Ensure that child seats are properly installed and that children are restrained.
3. Mobile‑Phone Distraction – Check for phone usage while driving, as distraction is a major factor in accidents.

If a vehicle fails any part of the checklist, the officer will hand a ticket. Drivers who do not comply with the “Click It” directive may also be required to attend a brief educational session about the importance of seat belts and safe driving.

What Drivers Can Do

WSB-TV’s safety segment featured a series of quick tips from the department and the Georgia Department of Transportation:

• Always Buckle Before You Start the Engine – The seat‑belt indicator light on your dashboard should stay on until you buckle up. If it goes off, your belt is likely not locked.
• Check Your Child’s Seat – The rear‑seat belt should be latched into the child‑seat’s buckle or the vehicle’s seat‑belt anchor. A click is audible when the belt is properly secured.
• Use the Seat‑belt Reminder Feature – Many newer vehicles have a seat‑belt reminder that beeps if the driver’s belt is not fastened. Keep it enabled during holiday drives.
• Stay Focused on the Road – Avoid the temptation to use your phone while driving. A seat‑belt click is one thing you can’t afford to skip, but a distracted mind is another.

Legal Resources and Further Information

The WSB-TV article links to the Georgia Department of Transportation’s seat‑belt law page (https://www.transportation.ga.gov/seat-belt-laws) for readers who want to learn the specific statutes, penalties, and enforcement guidelines. The GDOT website also offers a downloadable “Seat‑belt Compliance Checklist” for drivers to print and keep in their vehicles.

The Department of Public Safety has also added a short video to its website showing how to correctly buckle up in cars, SUVs, and minivans. The video emphasizes that a proper click signifies that the belt is locked in place and will provide the maximum protection in the event of a collision.

Looking Ahead

With the holiday travel season in full swing, police departments across the state are poised to enforce seat‑belt compliance with greater vigor. The “Click It or You Will Get Ticket” initiative aims to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities caused by seat‑belt violations. While the campaign may lead to an uptick in tickets for the season, officials argue that the long‑term benefits in terms of lives saved and medical costs avoided outweigh the short‑term inconvenience.

As the roads fill with holiday traffic, drivers are reminded that the simplest, most effective safety step—clicking the seat belt—can make the difference between a safe arrival and a preventable tragedy.