Belleville, IL – Illinois drivers will see stepped-up DUI, speeding, and seat belt enforcement beginning today as St. Clair County launches a yearlong traffic safety initiative funded by a new state grant. The Sheriff’s Department announced it has received a federal fiscal year 2026 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant to support expanded patrols and roadway safety efforts.
According to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, the funding—distributed through the Illinois Department of Transportation—will allow deputies to increase enforcement of impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, failure-to-yield violations, and seat belt compliance. Officials said the effort is aimed at reducing crashes and saving lives across the Metro East region.
The STEP grant period runs from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026. During this time, deputies will conduct additional patrols throughout the county, including targeted enforcement during high-risk travel periods such as holiday weekends, late-night hours, and seasonal traffic surges.
According to the department, statewide campaigns including “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Click It or Ticket,” and “Drive High, Get a DUI” will be emphasized during some of the year’s deadliest driving months. The Sheriff’s Department said these high-visibility patrols are designed not only to identify dangerous drivers but also to encourage safer habits through community awareness.
The grant will support enforcement in Belleville, Fairview Heights, O’Fallon, East St. Louis, and surrounding Metro East communities, providing a wider safety impact for commuters across St. Clair County and southwestern Illinois.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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