State Police announce expanded enforcement to combat impaired and reckless driving during Super Bowl weekend

New York – As millions of New Yorkers gather around televisions for Super Bowl celebrations, the New York State Police are preparing for a very different kind of weekend—one focused on safety, prevention, and enforcement. From Friday, February 6, 2026, through Sunday, February 8, 2026, State Police will roll out an expanded traffic enforcement effort aimed squarely at impaired and reckless driving across the state.

The initiative is part of a special STOP-DWI enforcement campaign funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Its goal is straightforward but urgent: deter dangerous behavior, remove impaired drivers from the road, and reduce the risk of crashes during one of the busiest social weekends of the year. Troopers will be out in force, conducting sobriety checkpoints, DWI patrols, and underage drinking enforcement in communities large and small.

Super Bowl weekend has long been associated with increased alcohol consumption, and law enforcement officials say that combination of celebration and driving can be deadly. While STOP-DWI efforts throughout New York have helped drive down alcohol-related fatalities over the years, the problem has not disappeared. Too many crashes, injuries, and deaths still trace back to impaired drivers who made a reckless decision to get behind the wheel.

The numbers from last year underscore the concern. During the 2025 Super Bowl enforcement period, State Police arrested 161 individuals for impaired driving and issued a total of 8,663 tickets for various traffic violations. Those figures, officials say, reflect both the scale of the enforcement effort and the persistence of risky behavior on the road.

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During this year’s operation, motorists should expect to see sobriety checkpoints set up at various locations, along with roving DWI patrols. Troopers will be operating both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement, or CITE, vehicles. These unmarked vehicles are designed to blend in with everyday traffic, making it easier for Troopers to observe unsafe driving behaviors as they happen. Once emergency lighting is activated, however, the vehicles are clearly identifiable as law enforcement.

CITE vehicles are particularly effective at spotting drivers who are distracted by handheld devices, a growing concern alongside impaired driving. State Police officials emphasized that distracted driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence, especially at highway speeds or on crowded roads during peak travel times.

Drivers are also reminded to follow New York’s “move over” law when approaching emergency or hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road. Failing to slow down or change lanes not only puts first responders at risk but can result in serious penalties for motorists who ignore the requirement.

The consequences of impaired driving in New York are severe. A conviction can result in a maximum fine of $10,000, up to seven years in prison, and the loss of driving privileges. Officials stress that these penalties reflect the potential harm caused by impaired drivers—not just to themselves, but to passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians.

State officials are also directing attention to those hosting Super Bowl gatherings. The message is clear: responsibility does not end at the front door. “If you are hosting, you’re the team captain!” Organizers are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure guests can get home safely without driving after drinking.

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Safety recommendations include asking guests to designate sober drivers in advance or helping them arrange ridesharing options. Hosts who do not drink are encouraged to offer rides themselves. Providing plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages can also reduce alcohol consumption, while stopping alcohol service at the end of the third quarter gives guests time to sober up before leaving. This is also a good opportunity, officials say, to serve coffee and dessert instead.

Hosts are urged to have ridesharing apps set up in advance or keep phone numbers for local cab companies easily accessible. Taking the keys away from guests who are considering driving after drinking can prevent a tragedy before it happens.

Technology is also playing a role in prevention. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation offer the “Have a Plan” mobile app for Apple, Droid, and Windows smartphones. The app allows users to quickly locate and call taxi services, create a designated driver list, review DWI laws and penalties, and even report a suspected impaired driver.

Legal liability is another critical issue officials want the public to understand. If a host serves alcohol to a guest who later causes a crash, that host could be held legally responsible. In cases involving underage drinking, the consequences can extend even further. If an underage person drinks and drives, the parent or guardian may be legally liable for any damage, injury, or death caused by that driver.

As Super Bowl excitement builds, State Police are urging New Yorkers to make smart choices and plan ahead. The message behind the enforcement campaign is not about ruining celebrations, but about ensuring everyone makes it home safely once the final whistle blows.