Governor Hochul announces increased State Police and local law enforcement patrols across New York roads through Labor Day to crack down on impaired and reckless driving

Albany, New York – New York drivers can expect a stronger law enforcement presence on roads across the state as officials step up efforts to prevent impaired, reckless and dangerous driving during the final weeks of summer.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State Police, county sheriffs and local police departments will increase patrols and conduct sobriety checkpoints as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The enforcement period began Wednesday, August 19, and will continue through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

The campaign comes as roads are expected to see increased traffic during the final major holiday weekend of the summer. Officials are urging drivers to make responsible choices, particularly when it comes to alcohol, drugs, speeding and other forms of unsafe driving.

“New York is a great place, with our scenic trails and world-class state parks, to enjoy the end of summer and the Labor Day holiday,” Governor Hochul said. “I want everyone to have a wonderful time and make happy memories. Just know that if you make the irresponsible choice to drive impaired or recklessly, law enforcement will be out in force and showing zero tolerance. Their job is difficult so please don’t make it tougher: drive responsibly.”

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The increased enforcement is not limited to major highways. State Police and local agencies will use additional patrols and checkpoints in communities throughout New York as officers look for drivers who may be impaired or violating traffic laws.

The campaign also will include the use of both traditional marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement, or CITE, vehicles. The CITE vehicles are designed to blend into normal traffic, allowing officers to observe motorists more closely and identify violations that might otherwise be difficult to detect.

Although CITE vehicles are less noticeable while traveling among other motorists, they become clearly identifiable as emergency vehicles when their emergency lights are activated.

The scale of the enforcement effort reflects the concerns surrounding impaired and reckless driving during busy travel periods. During the 2025 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, law enforcement officers across New York issued 131,245 tickets.

That enforcement effort included 4,125 arrests for impaired driving and 24,905 citations for speeding.

State officials say the figures demonstrate why continued enforcement is necessary, particularly during holiday periods when more people are traveling for vacations, family gatherings and other activities.

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt urged motorists to remain focused and obey traffic laws as Labor Day approaches.

“As the summer season draws to a close heading into Labor Day weekend, our roadways are going to be handling a lot of travelers. Whether you are taking on a road trip or celebrating locally, please follow the rules of the road – don’t speed, avoid distractions and never, ever drive impaired. I thank our dedicated law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to removing impaired and reckless drivers from our highways.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James also emphasized the importance of planning ahead before getting behind the wheel.

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“Labor Day weekend reflects the hard work and achievements of American workers and concludes the final few weeks of summer. While we want everyone to enjoy this time, we want them to do so responsibly. There’s no excuse for impaired driving; and it takes little to no effort to arrange for a safe ride home. We will continue to work with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to crack down on drivers who make our roads unsafe for others.”

Police leaders across the state echoed the message, saying safe driving is a responsibility shared by everyone using New York’s roads.

“As Labor Day is approaching, the New York State Chiefs of Police want to remind motorists that driving safely is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re traveling across town or across the state, slow down, stay alert, and look out for one another. We want everyone to enjoy the holiday period and return home safely,” said New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and Brighton Police Department Chief David Catholdi.

Sheriffs also urged motorists to think about how they will get home before consuming alcohol or using substances that could affect their ability to drive.

“When someone drives impaired or recklessly, they put themselves, their passengers and the public at risk. Have a plan to get home safely. The message is simple: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and be a safe, courteous driver. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to enjoy the rest of summer and the Labor Day weekend in a smart way by not driving impaired,” said New York State Sheriffs’ Association President and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa.

For people who plan to drink, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is encouraging them to use the STOP-DWI Have a Plan app. The free app can help users choose a designated driver, contact a taxi or rideshare service and review information about the consequences of impaired driving. It also allows users to report a driver suspected of being drunk or drugged.

The app is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones and is intended to help motorists make arrangements before they are in a situation where they should not drive.

Officials are also reminding drivers about New York’s Move Over Law. The law requires motorists to slow down and move over when it is safe to do so when approaching vehicles stopped along the roadway.

That requirement applies to all vehicles stopped on the road, making awareness especially important as traffic increases during the Labor Day travel period.

With the enforcement campaign continuing through September 7, state and local police are asking motorists to slow down, avoid distractions and never drive while impaired. The goal is to reduce dangerous driving and help ensure that people traveling New York’s roads during the end of summer can reach their destinations safely.