Seat belt usage rate has surged to a record-breaking 94.97% following the 2025 “Click It or Ticket” campaign
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey is officially one of the safest states for motorists in the nation. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) announced today that the state’s seat belt usage rate has surged to a record-breaking 94.97% following the 2025 “Click It or Ticket” campaign.
This massive jump from the 90.5% recorded in 2024 puts New Jersey significantly ahead of the national average of 91.2%, proving that the state’s aggressive enforcement and education efforts are saving lives.
The Numbers: A Significant Leap in Safety
The annual observational survey, conducted by the New Jersey Institute of Technology, highlights broad improvements across almost every category of vehicle and passenger.
2025 Seat Belt Usage at a Glance:
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Overall Front-Seat Usage: 94.97% (Up from 90.51% in 2024)
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Driver Usage: 95.11% (Up from 90.86%)
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Front-Seat Passenger Usage: 94.22% (Up from 89.10%)
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Top Vehicle Category: SUVs lead the pack with a staggering 96.56% compliance rate.
“Nearly 95% of New Jersey drivers and front-seat passengers are buckling up—and that’s a marked increase over the previous year,” said Attorney General Platkin. “These gains reflect the dedication of our law enforcement officers and the strong partnership among agencies committed to preventing traffic fatalities.”
🏆 New Jersey’s “Safest” Counties
While the entire state saw gains, three counties stood out for their massive improvements and high compliance:
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Union County: Crowned the leader in overall safety, reporting a 97.93% usage rate for all front-seat occupants.
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Monmouth County: Recorded the highest specific rate for front-seat passengers at a near-perfect 98.97%.
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Burlington & Passaic Counties: Noted for having the largest year-over-year increases in passenger compliance.
⚠️ The Danger Zone: Why the Last 5% Matters
Despite the celebratory numbers, safety officials warn that the remaining 5% of non-compliant drivers represent a significant portion of road fatalities.
Michael J. Rizol Jr., Director of the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety, noted a sobering statistic: Over 40% of people killed in traffic crashes in New Jersey were not wearing their seat belts.
“So many lives are lost in that group of people who disregard our safety message,” Rizol said. “Even minor improvements save lives.”
How the Data Was Collected
The survey followed the statewide “Click It or Ticket” mobilization, which ran from May 12 through June 1, 2025. Researchers observed thousands of vehicles across primary, secondary, and local roads to ensure a representative sampling of the Garden State’s driving habits. Interestingly, the highest usage was seen on major highways, while local roads saw slightly lower—though still high—compliance rates.
The Takeaway for NJ Drivers
The message from Trenton is clear: Enforcement works, but personal responsibility is what ultimately prevents tragedy. As we move into the 2026 travel season, the goal remains 100% compliance.
NJ Seat Belt Stats by Road Type
| Road Category | Usage Rate | Safety Level |
| Primary (Highways) | Highest | Excellent |
| Secondary Roads | High | Very Good |
| Local Roads | Lowest (93%+) | Needs Focus |
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