IDOT Grant Programs
Zero Excuses "Click it or Ticket" Memorial Day Campaign
The Harwood Heights Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Illinois for the 2026 “Click It or Ticket” campaign running May 15-26, 2026 during the Memorial Day travel period. “Buckle up every trip, every time,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “Seat belts save lives, and we are committed to keeping our roads safe.” Officers will conduct high-visibility enforcement day and night, focusing on seat belt violations. Motorists who fail to buckle up can expect to be stopped and ticketed. Illinois law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. While usage has increased to 93% in 2025, unrestrained fatalities remain a concern — especially at night. Zero Excuses "Click it or Ticket" Memorial Day Campaign Press Release
April Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department conducted traffic enforcement during the Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign throughout the entire month of April. During the Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 314 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 404 traffic stops; made 4 traffic arrests; cited 252 distracted drivers; cited 26 seat belt drivers; cited 4 speed violators; and issued 54 other various traffic violation citations. “Driver distracted driving remains a serious problem in Harwood Heights, and one moment of inattention can change lives forever,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “High-visibility enforcement is one way we remind drivers that safe driving requires their full attention. Distracted Driving Awareness Month may be over, but we will continue our efforts to stop motorists from engaging in this deadly behavior.” April Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign Results
April Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign
In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Harwood Heights Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to step up enforcement efforts throughout April. Motorists can expect increased patrols looking for texting, social media use, video viewing and other distracted driving violations. "Distracted driving puts everyone at risk, and even a quick glance at a phone can have devastating consequences," said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. "During April, officers will be looking for distracted driving violations and remind motorists to put the phone away and focus on the road." If you need to send a message, check directions or return a call, pull over and park safely first. Whatever the solution, do not drive distracted. April Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign Press Release
St. Patrick's Day Impaired Driving Campaign Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department conducted enhanced traffic enforcement during the St. Patrick’s Day campaign from March 13-23, 2026 reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober. During the campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 94 hours of patrol and took the following enforcement actions: conducted 97 traffic stops; made 6 traffic-related arrests; issued 32 seat belt citations; issued 18 distracted driving citations; issued 37 additional traffic citations; recovered one illegal firearm; seized approximately 8 pounds of illegal cannabis; and recovered one felony vehicle. “We strongly enforce traffic laws for one reason — to save lives,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. St. Patrick's Day Impaired Driving Campaign Results
St. Patrick's Day Impaired Driving Campaign
St. Patrick’s Day will be here before we know it, bringing parades, parties, green beer and more to communities throughout the state. To remind motorists of the dangers of impaired driving and to help keep our streets safe, the Harwood Heights Police Department is teaming up with the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation for a stepped-up traffic safety campaign running from March 13 through March 23, 2026. “With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Tuesday this year, we expect celebrations throughout the entire week — plus the weekends before and after,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “We urge everyone to celebrate responsibly. Plan ahead for a sober ride home before you leave the house — your safety and the safety of others depend on it.” Whether you’re attending a party, hosting friends or going out to a bar, keep safety at the forefront. When it’s time to leave, make sure your designated driver is sober. St. Patrick's Day Impaired Driving Campaign Press Release
Holiday “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” and “Click It or Ticket” Campaigns Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department conducted a holiday traffic safety campaign December 19, 2025 - January 5, 2026 reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober. The “Click It or Ticket” and “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization was conducted by the Harwood Heights Police Department and other state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to help reduce highway fatalities. During the Holiday Enforcement Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 79 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 102 traffic stops; cited 47 seat belt violators; cited 13 distracted drivers; issued 25 other various traffic violation citations; and made 3 traffic arrests. “We issue tickets to remind drivers and passengers that seat belt use isn’t a suggestion, it’s the law,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “This year’s campaign was successful in grabbing people’s attention with highly visible enforcement methods. As always, our goal is a safe community with safer drivers.” Holiday “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” and “Click It or Ticket” Campaigns Results
Holiday "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," and "Click It or Ticket" Campaigns
With the holiday season just around the corner, the Harwood Heights Police Department has joined forces with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaigns to ensure that festive gatherings don’t end in tragedy. From December 12 through January 4, 2025 law enforcement agencies across Illinois will adopt a zero-tolerance policy for impaired driving to keep our roads safe. “This season let’s make safety our shared priority,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “If you plan to drink or use impairing substances, plan ahead for a sober ride home. Driving impaired isn’t just dangerous-it's unacceptable. We’ll be out in full force, and no excuses will be accepted.” Holiday "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," and "Click It or Ticket" Campaigns Press Release
Thanksgiving Holiday "Click It or Ticket" and "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Driver Sober Campaigns Results
From November 21 to December 2, 2025 the Harwood Heights Police Department participated in the statewide “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization to reduce crashes and save lives. Enforcement focused on seat belt use, speeding, distraction, and alcohol and drug impaired driving, including cannabis. During the Thanksgiving Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 39 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 61 traffic stops; cited 13 seat belt violators; cited 5 distracted drivers; issued 19 other various traffic violation citations; and made 1 traffic arrest. “These results reflect our commitment to a safe community,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “Impaired is impaired, whether you use alcohol, cannabis or other drugs. Combine that with not wearing a seat belt, and the consequences can be deadly. Please buckle up and plan a sober ride every time.” Thanksgiving Holiday "Click It or Ticket" and "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Driver Sober Campaigns Results
Thanksgiving Holiday "Click It or Ticket" and "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Driver Sober Campaigns
This Thanksgiving, the Harwood Heights Police Department is joining the Illinois State Police and local partners to keep holiday travel safe. Our “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaigns run from November 21 to December 2, 2025. Officers will be looking for seat-belt violations, speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, including cannabis. “Thanksgiving brings more vehicles, longer trips and more festivities,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “Seat belts remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to save your life in a crash. We’re asking every driver and passenger to buckle up, every trip, every time — and to make a plan for a sober ride before the celebrations begin. If you drink alcohol or use cannabis, don’t drive.” Thanksgiving Holiday "Click It or Ticket" and "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaigns Press Release
Halloween Enforcement “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaigns Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department conducted a successful Halloween enforcement campaign resulting in 39 citations for seat belt and child safety seat violations. During the Halloween Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 65 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 99 traffic stops; cited 37 seat belt violators; cited 2 child safety seat violators; cited 2 speed violators; cited 10 distracted drivers; and issued 19 other various traffic violation citations. Law enforcement agencies across Illinois participated in this statewide effort to save lives by removing impaired drivers from the roads and ensuring more drivers and passengers were properly buckled up. The fall enforcement campaign, which ran from Oct. 24th through Nov. 3rd was part of the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Click It or Ticket" initiatives. Halloween Enforcement “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaigns Results Press Release
Halloween Enforcement “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaigns
The Harwood Heights Police Department today announced it is stepping up traffic enforcement efforts for the Halloween “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over “campaigns that will run October 24-November 3, 2025. “We want all of our Harwood Heights trick-or-treaters to be safe this Halloween,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “If you’re planning on treating yourself at a Halloween party, please be sure to make plans for a ride home. Planning ahead will help keep you and others safe.” Never get behind the wheel impaired. It is illegal in Illinois to drive impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or any other impairing substance. DUIs are not restricted to alcohol-related offenses. If you drive high, you’ll get a DUI.
Halloween Enforcement “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Press Release
Police Department Awarded IDOT Traffic Enforcement Grant
The Harwood Heights Police Department has been awarded federal funding for the 2026 Federal Fiscal Year to conduct additional traffic safety efforts through the Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant. The STEP Grant Program focuses on high-visibility enforcement and strategies aimed at saving lives and preventing injuries by reducing traffic crashes. “We’re pleased to receive this grant for the fourth year in a row to help step up our traffic safety efforts with the goal of reducing traffic crashes, educating drivers of dangerous driving behaviors, and saving lives,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “Our mission is to educate the public on risks associated with dangerous driving behaviors as well as stopping, citing, and arresting those who choose to violate traffic laws through proactive patrols." The 2026 STEP Grant year runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The Harwood Heights Police Department will also conduct additional enforcement to supplement mandatory, and optional campaign enforcement dates scheduled during some of the deadliest travel times of the year. The additional enforcement efforts will focus on the leading contributory causes of crashes which include speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, failure to yield and disobeying traffic control devices and signals, as well as occupant restraint violations. Police Department Awarded IDOT Traffic Enforcement Grant Press Release
Labor Day Statewide Traffic Safety Campaigns Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department announced it issued 60 seat belt citations during the Labor Day “Click It or Ticket” enforcement period. During the Labor Day Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 72 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 107 traffic stops; cited 60 seat belt violators: cited 8 distracted drivers; issued 27 other various traffic violation citations; made 2 traffic arrests; and recovered 1 stolen vehicle. “Through the Labor Day traffic safety campaign, we helped make our roads safer,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. The Harwood Heights Police Department collaborated with other law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners across the state for the Illinois Labor Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Labor Day Statewide Traffic Safety Campaigns Results Press Release
Police Ready for Back-to-School with School Zone Safety Blitz
As Union Ridge School students head back to school on Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Harwood Heights Police Department is launching a focused traffic safety blitz to ensure students’ routes to schools are safe. More officers will be out and around school zones, concentrating on motorists who violate traffic laws designed to protect children during their commutes to and from school. During this heightened enforcement period, officers will be particularly attentive to speeding in school zones, unlawful use of handheld cell phones, texting while driving, and violations of seat belt and child passenger safety laws. Our efforts are to increase awareness and encourage safer driving behaviors. In partnership with local school crossing guards and school administrators, the department will maintain open lines of communication throughout the school year to promptly address any traffic safety concerns. Police Ready for Back-to-School with School Zone Safety Blitz Press Release
Labor Day Statewide Traffic Safety Campaigns
The Harwood Heights Police Department is proud to be one of over 200 law enforcement agencies across Illinois participating in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns this Labor Day. From August 15, 2025 through the early morning hours of September 2, officers will be out in force, focused on stopping impaired driving, enforcing seat belt laws and reducing other dangerous driving behaviors. Officers will be enforcing seat belt laws as part of the “Click It or Ticket” initiative as well as targeting distracted drivers. Buckling up is the most effective way to prevent serious injury or death in a crash. Everyone in the vehicle — front seat or back — should be properly buckled, every trip. “We want our community to enjoy the holiday weekend safely and responsibly,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “Plan ahead, use a designated driver, buckle up, and never get behind the wheel impaired. These decisions save lives.” Labor Day Statewide Traffic Safety Campaigns Press Release
Illinois Speed Awareness Day Campaign
The Harwood Heights Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) with the support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and more than 300 state, county and local law enforcement agencies for this year’s ILACP “Illinois Speed Awareness Day” on July 23, 2025. Law enforcement agencies across the state will be stepping up traffic safety efforts to reduce speeding. Motorists can expect to see increased patrols looking for speeding, as well as other traffic violations. The Illinois Speed Awareness Day campaign has a two-fold approach: to combine effective community outreach to roadway users on the importance of obeying the speed limit, along with an increased zero-tolerance enforcement effort. "Speeding is a choice that puts everyone at risk,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “It reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely around other vehicles, increases stopping distance, and can lead to more severe injuries if you are involved in a crash. We urge drivers to slow down and make the safe choice.” Illinois Speed Awareness Day Press Release
Memorial Day "Click It or Ticket" Campaign Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department issued 37 citations during the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” enforcement period. “Through the Memorial Day enforcement campaign, we helped make Illinois roads safer and spread the word that seat belts save lives,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. During the Memorial Day Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 30 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 43 traffic stops; made 1 traffic arrest; cited 22 seat belt violators; cited 6 distracted drivers; and issued 11 other various traffic violation citations. Memorial Day "Click It or Ticket" Campaign Results
Memorial Day "Click It or Ticket" Campaign
The Harwood Heights Police Department is reminding drivers to buckle up as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign. This high-visibility seat belt enforcement initiative runs from May 16 to May 27, 2025 coinciding with the Memorial Day holiday. Illinois enacted its seat belt law 40 years ago on July 1, 1985, becoming the third state to require seat belt use for drivers and front-seat passengers aged eight and older. Children under eight were required to be secured in appropriate child safety seats. In July 2003, Illinois strengthened the law to allow officers to pull over and ticket drivers solely for failing to buckle up – a change that led to a significant increase in compliance. Since the seat belt law’s initial introduction and subsequent upgrade more than two decades ago, seat belt usage has surged from 15.9% in 1985 to 92.4% in 2024. This dramatic improvement underscores the law’s effectiveness in promoting compliance and enhancing roadway safety. Memorial Day "Click It Or Ticket" Campaign Press Release