State and local law enforcement agencies in New York are increasing patrols and checkpoints as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which will continue through January 1, 2026. The initiative is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and aims to remove impaired drivers from roads during the holiday season.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “Anyone making the decision to place themselves or other drivers in danger this holiday season will be ticketed or face criminal charges. Our state has zero tolerance for impaired and reckless driving because the safety of New Yorkers is always my top priority.”
Law enforcement officers will not only conduct DWI checkpoints but also monitor for speeding, distracted driving, and violations of the “Move Over Law.” This law requires drivers to exercise caution when passing vehicles stopped on or beside the road.
New York State DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder emphasized responsible celebrations: “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.”
Superintendent Steven G. James of the State Police added, “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 ease travel congestion during peak periods, temporary lane closures on state highways will be suspended from December 24 through December 29 and again from December 31 through January 5. Some construction may still occur behind permanent barriers or for emergency repairs.
The Move Over Law was expanded in March 2024 to require drivers to slow down and move over for any stopped vehicle along roadways.
Texting stops such as park-and-ride facilities, rest areas, service areas, and parking areas are available along state highways as part of efforts against distracted driving. On New Year’s Eve from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m. New Year’s Day morning, travelers can get free coffee and hot tea at Thruway service areas.
All 27 service areas on the Thruway are open; drivers can plan their stops using information provided by the Thruway Authority’s website or mobile app that offers real-time traffic updates.
Travelers can check current road conditions before traveling by calling 511NY or using its website or app; these services provide access to traffic cameras as well as alerts about incidents or construction.
Marie Therese Dominguez, Commissioner of NYSDOT said: “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.”
Frank G. Hoare of the Thruway Authority stated: “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.”
James Quattron from Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office noted: “With the winter season upon us it is more important than ever to not drive impaired or aggressively… Driving impaired or aggressively is made even more risky with darkness coming earlier and daily possibility of icy or snowy roads…”
Paul Oliva from Mount Pleasant Police Department advised: “This holiday season remember: Slow down buckle up never drink and drive…”
The GTSC funds these campaigns so law enforcement can increase visibility during times like holidays when there is greater risk due to alcohol- or drug-impaired driving.
Last year’s crackdown led police statewide to issue nearly 130 thousand tickets including over twenty-three thousand speeding violations; more than four thousand citations each were issued for distracted driving infractions; three thousand two hundred thirty seatbelt violations; nine hundred eighty-one “Move Over Law” violations; over four thousand arrests were made for impaired driving; almost ninety-four thousand tickets were given out for other offenses.
According to data from New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services felony/misdemeanor arrests related operating under influence result conviction about ninety percent cases.
Tips offered by authorities include planning a sober ride home before celebrating designating sober driver using taxis public transit community programs reporting suspected drunk drivers intervening if someone attempts drive while impaired.
A “Have a Plan” mobile app supported by GTSC/STOP-DWI Foundation allows users locate taxi/rideshare services store designated driver lists access DWI laws report suspected impaired driving.