ALBANY, NY (December 24, 2025) — State Police and local law enforcement agencies across New York are ramping up patrols as part of the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign to crack down on impaired driving during the holiday travel season.
The initiative, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), runs through Thursday, January 1, 2026.
“Anyone making the decision to place themselves or other drivers in danger this holiday season will be ticketed or face criminal charges,” Hochul said. “Our state has zero tolerance for impaired and reckless driving because the safety of New Yorkers is always my top priority.”
In addition to driving while intoxicated (DWI) checkpoints and patrols, officers will target speeding, distracted driving and violations of the “Move Over Law,” which requires drivers to exercise extreme caution when passing any vehicle stopped in or on the side of the road. The law was expanded in March 2024 to cover all stopped vehicles along the roadway.
New York State DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “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.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “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 holiday travel, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 a.m. Wednesday, December 24, through 6 a.m. Monday, December 29, and again from 6 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, through 6 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2026. The suspension aligns with the state’s Drivers First Initiative to minimize traffic congestion and delays.
Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. Drivers are reminded to follow the Move Over Law, slow down and move over for all stopped vehicles, including plow trucks, emergency or disabled vehicles.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez 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.”
New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “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.”
Chautauqua County Sheriff and New York State Sheriffs’ Association President James Quattron said, “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 said, “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 GTSC funds these enforcement campaigns to support high-visibility efforts during periods of higher risk for impaired driving. Last year’s holiday crackdown resulted in 129,686 tickets statewide, including 23,339 for speeding, 4,205 for distracted driving, 3,230 for seatbelt violations, 981 for Move Over Law violations and 4,264 arrests for impaired driving. Another 93,667 tickets were issued for other infractions.
State data from the Division of Criminal Justice Services show that felony and misdemeanor arrests for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs result in a conviction in approximately 90 percent of cases.
The State Police, GTSC and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommend planning a safe ride home before celebrating, designating a sober driver, using taxis, ride services, public transportation or sober ride programs if impaired, reporting suspected drunk drivers to law enforcement and intervening if someone plans to drive or ride while impaired.
The GTSC and New York State STOP-DWI Foundation offer the “Have a Plan” mobile app for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones to help locate taxis or rideshares, program designated drivers, review DWI laws and penalties, and report suspected impaired drivers.
All 27 service areas on the New York State Thruway are open. Drivers can plan stops via the Thruway Authority website or free mobile app, which also provides real-time traffic and navigation. The Thruway Authority will offer free coffee and hot tea from 11 p.m. New Year’s Eve through 7 a.m. New Year’s Day.
Travelers can check road conditions through 511NY by calling 5-1-1, visiting the website or using the free 511NY mobile app, which includes Drive mode for audible alerts about incidents and construction.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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