IDOT Grant Will Fund Traffic Law Enforcement In Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — The Evanston Police Department got a financial boost thanks to a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation that will fund increased traffic safety enforcement campaigns.

The 2026 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program grant year runs from Oct. 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2026. During this time, police will up their enforcement during some of the deadliest times of the year on the road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 18,720 people died in motor vehicle crashed in the first half of 2024 throughout the country.

“We are grateful for this grant, which allows us to step up enforcement of impaired driving, seat belt, speeding and other traffic safety laws,” said Sergeant Jeff Faison “Our top priority is the safety of everyone on our roadways, and we will continue holding those who break the law accountable.”

Between Oct. 1, 2024 and Sept. 30, 2025, the Evanston Police Department issued 867 citations and made 18 arrests while enforcing traffic laws.

Key statewide campaigns, such as "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," and "Click It or Ticket," will be emphasized during the next year, police said. Additional enforcement will focus on dangerous driving behaviors, including speeding, impaired and distracted driving, failure to yield and disobeying traffic signals.