Through the rest of May, police will be on the lookout for seat belt violations as a part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s annual “Click it. Or ticket” campaign, police said.

The campaign began Monday and runs through May 31, said Capt. James Anguiano of Kansas University Public Safety.

For the duration of the campaign, each shift will have several additional officers paying special attention to drivers on the road, Anguiano. The additional wages are paid through a federal grant from the NHTSA.

“We’re looking for seat belt violations or any violations individuals might have,” said Anguiano. “And we’re looking to raise awareness on seat belt safety and driving safety in general.”

Nearly 150 law enforcement agencies across the state are participating in the campaign, said Gary Herman of the Kansas Department of Transportation. May was chosen for the event, largely because of the large crowds of people traveling for the upcoming holiday weekend.

“Generally the campaign is over Memorial Day weekend and that travel period because that is a very high fatality rate weekend. It’s one of the highest in the nation,” he said.

The Lawrence Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are also participating in the campaign.

Police will be issuing tickets for violations, Anguiano said. Seat belt violation tickets from KU’s Public Safety come with a $10 fine.

Herman said the campaign strives for a healthy combination of both education and enforcement.

“What we’re looking for is voluntary compliance. Police don’t relish in writing tickets,” he said.

Anguiano said he is not yet sure how many seat belt violation tickets have been issued this early into the campaign.