Governor Hochul announces expanded State Police and local law enforcement patrols to protect drivers during the busy holiday travel season

Albany, New York – As millions of New Yorkers prepare to travel during one of the busiest times of the year, Governor Kathy Hochul is reinforcing a clear and familiar message: safety comes first. With holiday gatherings, winter weather, and increased traffic converging across the state, New York is expanding law enforcement visibility and stepping up patrols to keep roads safe from impaired, reckless, and distracted drivers.

Governor Hochul announced that State Police and local law enforcement agencies are once again taking part in a nationwide enforcement effort aimed at removing dangerous drivers from the roadways. The initiative, known as the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and will continue through Thursday, January 1, 2026. During this period, drivers can expect to see an increased number of sobriety checkpoints, patrols, and targeted enforcement efforts across highways, local roads, and urban centers throughout New York.

“Anyone making the decision to place themselves or other drivers in danger this holiday season will be ticketed or face criminal charges,” Governor Hochul said. “Our state has zero tolerance for impaired and reckless driving because the safety of New Yorkers is always my top priority.”

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The campaign is not limited to driving while intoxicated. Law enforcement officers will also be monitoring for speeding, distracted driving, and violations of the state’s “Move Over Law.” That law requires drivers to slow down and safely move over when approaching any vehicle stopped along the side of the road, including emergency vehicles, highway maintenance trucks, and disabled vehicles. The law was expanded in March 2024, reflecting growing concern for the safety of roadside workers and first responders.

State officials say the holidays present a perfect storm of risk factors. Increased travel, late-night celebrations, alcohol consumption, and unpredictable winter weather all contribute to higher chances of serious crashes. The goal of the enforcement campaign is not only to issue tickets or make arrests, but also to deter dangerous behavior before tragedy strikes.

New York State DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder emphasized the importance of personal responsibility during the holiday season. “The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate, but you must celebrate responsibly. If you drive impaired and break the law, you will face consequences and be held accountable. Take the time to plan for a sober ride home, avoid distractions behind the wheel and slow down, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions.”

State Police Superintendent Steven G. James echoed that message, stressing that impaired driving remains one of the most preventable dangers on New York’s roads. “As motorists drive throughout the state to see family and friends this holiday season, we encourage them to make safe driving practices a priority. There’s no excuse for driving impaired, and when someone makes the choice to drive after using alcohol or drugs, they are endangering the lives of everyone. The State Police will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to discourage and detect impaired motorists. I thank the GTSC for their partnership in educating and bringing awareness to all who get into a vehicle in New York State.”

To further ease travel during peak holiday periods, New York State is suspending most temporary lane closures tied to road and bridge construction. Those suspensions will begin at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, December 24 and last through 6 a.m. Monday, December 29. A second suspension will run from 6 a.m. Wednesday, December 31 through 6 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2026. Officials say the move is designed to reduce congestion and minimize delays when traffic volumes are at their highest.

The construction pause aligns with the state’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes smoother travel for motorists whenever possible. However, drivers are reminded that some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers, and emergency repairs can still occur if necessary. Officials stress that even during construction suspensions, caution remains essential.

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Transportation leaders are also reminding drivers that the expanded Move Over Law applies statewide and carries real consequences. The Thruway Authority and the New York State Department of Transportation are urging motorists to stay alert, reduce speed, and move over safely when encountering vehicles stopped on the roadside. Officials say compliance with the law directly impacts the safety of workers, emergency responders, and stranded drivers.

To combat distracted driving, the state continues to promote the use of designated texting stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas, and parking areas along major highways. These locations are meant to provide safe places for drivers to pull over rather than use their phones behind the wheel.

In a long-standing holiday tradition, the New York State Thruway Authority will once again offer free coffee and hot tea at Thruway service areas from 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve through 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day. The program is intended to encourage alert driving during overnight travel hours, when fatigue can be especially dangerous.

All 27 service areas along the New York State Thruway are now open. Drivers are encouraged to plan their stops ahead of time using the Thruway Authority’s website or its free mobile app, which is available on both iPhone and Android devices. The app also provides real-time traffic updates, navigation assistance, and access to TRANSalert emails, which notify users about current conditions along the Thruway.

Additional travel tools are also available through NYSDOT’s 511NY system. Travelers can call 5-1-1, visit the 511 website, or use the free 511NY mobile app to check road conditions, view more than 2,200 traffic cameras, and access air and transit information. The app’s Drive mode offers audible alerts for incidents and construction along a selected route, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez highlighted how quickly conditions can change during winter travel. “Impaired drivers put not only themselves, but others at risk when they make the wrong choice and get behind the wheel. During this season of celebration, we want to remind drivers that what matters most is getting home safely to family and friends. And with ever changing winter weather conditions, please remember to slow down and move over for plow trucks, emergency or disabled vehicles. Your actions behind the wheel have a direct impact on everyone else on the road, so be sure to make the right choices as it relates to safety this holiday season.”

Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare added that preparation is just as important as enforcement. “This holiday season, we want everyone to arrive at their destinations safely and with fewer delays. We urge drivers to prepare for weather events, leave extra time for traveling and have emergency supplies in the car. Our employees and emergency personnel work around the clock and their lives depend on drivers slowing down and safely moving over for all vehicles on the side of the road. We thank our partners at New York State Police Troop T for patrolling the Thruway and keeping drivers safe.”

Local law enforcement leaders are also reinforcing the message as celebrations ramp up. Chautauqua County Sheriff and New York State Sheriffs’ Association President James Quattron pointed to the added dangers posed by winter darkness and icy roads. “With the winter season upon us it is more important than ever to not drive impaired or aggressively. From now until New Year’s Day there will be numerous gatherings and celebrations with family and friends. There will also be more enforcement to detect, ticket, and even arrest dangerous drivers. Driving impaired or aggressively is made even more risky with darkness coming earlier and the daily possibility of icy or snowy roads. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to enjoy this holiday season and be a courteous driver by not driving impaired or aggressively.”

New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and Mount Pleasant Police Department Chief of Police Paul Oliva also urged drivers to make safe choices. “This holiday season, remember: Slow down, buckle up, and never drink and drive. Law enforcement will be out in full force to ensure everyone gets home safely. Help keep our communities safe and drive responsibly.”

The scope of the enforcement effort is significant. During last year’s holiday crackdown, law enforcement agencies across New York issued 129,686 tickets. Of those, 23,339 were for speeding, 4,205 for distracted driving, 3,230 for seatbelt violations, and 981 for Move Over Law violations. In addition, 4,264 individuals were arrested for impaired driving, while another 93,667 drivers were ticketed for other infractions.

According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, felony and misdemeanor arrests for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs result in convictions approximately 90 percent of the time. Officials say that statistic underscores both the seriousness of the offense and the importance of making safer choices before getting behind the wheel.

To help drivers plan ahead, the State Police, the GTSC, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continue to promote practical safety tips. These include planning a safe ride home before celebrations begin, designating a sober driver, using taxis or ride-sharing services if impaired, and taking advantage of community sober ride programs. Drivers are also encouraged to speak up if they see someone about to drive impaired, or to contact law enforcement if they suspect a drunk driver on the road.

The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation also remind New Yorkers about the “Have a Plan” mobile app, available for Apple, Android, and Windows smartphones. The app helps users locate transportation options, set up a list of designated drivers, review DWI laws and penalties, and report suspected impaired driving.

As the holiday season unfolds, state leaders say the message is simple but urgent. With more patrols, suspended construction, expanded resources, and heightened enforcement, New York is doing its part to make travel safer. The rest, officials say, depends on drivers making responsible decisions that protect not only themselves, but everyone else sharing the road.