Nearly 95% of front-seat occupants in New Jersey now wear seat belts, a significant increase over previous years, following this year’s statewide enforcement campaign, state officials announced today.

The annual observational survey showed an overall front-seat usage rate of 94.97%, up from 90.51% in 2024, placing New Jersey well above the national average of 91.2%.

Attorney General Matt Platkin credited law enforcement officers and public education efforts for the improvement.

Driver usage rose to 95.11% from 90.86% the previous year, while front-seat passenger usage increased to 94.22% from 89.10%, according to the survey conducted by the New Jersey Institute of Technology and submitted to federal authorities.

Despite the progress, Michael J. Rizol Jr., director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, said more work remains.

“Each year, hundreds of drivers and passengers are killed in traffic crashes, and more than 40% of them are not wearing their seatbelts,” Rizol said.

The survey followed the “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign that ran from May 12 through June 1. Union County reported the highest usage among drivers at 97.99%, while Monmouth County recorded the highest front-seat passenger rate at 98.97%.

Sport utility vehicles demonstrated the highest compliance overall, with a usage rate of 96.56%.

The data were collected in accordance with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines.