Click It or Ticket Campaign Begins Sunday

In anticipation of the annual “Click It or Ticket” nationwide campaign, the Hawaii Police Department’s Traffic Services Section organized a rally this week to remind motorists of the increased seat belt enforcement.

The sign-waving rally took place on Monday along Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign kicks off on Sunday, May 20, and runs through June 4. Sergeant Robert Pauole, who leads the Traffic Services Section said in a release that drivers can expect increased roving patrols and round-the-clock checkpoints to make sure that drivers are buckled up.

“Although this campaign is from May 20 to June 4, seat belt and child restraint citations are issued year round,” explained Pauole in a release issued Friday.

State law says that drivers and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt, and passengers under 17 are expected to do the same. Violators are subject to a $92 fine.

Authorities say that they will also step up enforcement of child passenger restraint laws. Children under the age of four must be properly restrained in a safety seat or in a booster seat until the age of seven. Violators of this law may face a fine ranging between $100 – $500, go to court, and attend a mandatory four-hour class.