Batavia Police Will Be Out In Force For Memorial Day Enforcement

BATAVIA, IL — Batavia police will begin a high-visibility "Click It or Ticket" enforcement campaign Friday in light of the upcoming Memorial Day.

From May 15-26, the campaign will focus on seat belt and child-restraint violations, both during the day and at night. Police said drivers who don't buckle up should expect to be stopped.

"Seat belts save lives, and we are committed to keeping our roads safe," Deputy Chief Gary La Barbera said in a statement. "Whether you’re heading across town or traveling for the holiday weekend, buckling up is the easiest and most effective way to protect yourself."

Police said although seat belt usage in Illinois rose from 16 percent in 1985 to 93 percent in 2025, fatalities remain a serious risk, especially at night.

"While enforcement is an important tool, the purpose goes far beyond issuing citations — it is about preventing injuries and saving lives," police wrote in a news release. "Research consistently shows that visible enforcement encourages community compliance, especially during heavily traveled holiday periods."

The enforcement initiative is paid for by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.