Governor Hochul Announces Added State Police and Local Law Enforcement Patrols on New York’s Roads Through Labor Day

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State Police, County Sheriffs' Offices, and local law enforcement will be increasing patrols and checkpoints to crack down on impaired and reckless driving during the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement campaign, which will run Wednesday, August 19 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

"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."

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said, "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."

During the 2025 campaign, law enforcement officers statewide issued 131,245 tickets during the enforcement, including 4,125 arrests for impaired driving and 24,905 citations for speeding.

Enforcement Mobilization
State Police and local law enforcement agencies will conduct sobriety checkpoints and increase patrols during the enforcement period. Law enforcement will use both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles to help identify motorists who are violating the law. CITE vehicles allow police to better observe driving violations. While these vehicles blend in with everyday traffic, they are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "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."

New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President, Brighton Police Department Chief David Catholdi said, "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."

New York State Sheriffs' Association President, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa said, "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."

The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee urges drivers to use the STOP-DWI Have a Plan app to help them get home safely. The free app allows users to designate a driver, call a cab or ride share, and to review the consequences of impaired driving. Users can even use the app to report a drunk or drugged driver. The app is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones.

Motorists are also reminded to follow the State's Move Over Law, which requires all drivers to slow down and move over when safe to do so for all vehicles stopped along the roadway.