The New York State Police announced that troopers issued 967 vehicle and traffic tickets during this year’s “Operation Hard Hat” work zone enforcement campaign, marking a 35% increase compared to last year’s initiative. The enforcement effort was conducted from April 20 through April 24, 2026, as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week.
“Operation Hard Hat” is a joint initiative involving the New York State Police, the New York State Department of Transportation, and the New York State Thruway Authority. The campaign targets dangerous driving behaviors in and around highway construction zones in an effort to improve safety for highway workers and motorists.
During the enforcement campaign, State Police conducted 12 separate enforcement details at active Department of Transportation and Thruway work zones across New York State. Troopers, including some dressed as highway workers acting as spotters inside construction zones, monitored traffic and identified violations in real time.
According to State Police, the 967 tickets issued statewide included:
- 401 speeding citations
- 138 distracted driving violations
- 160 Move Over Law violations
Officials noted that Move Over Law violations increased by 84 percent, rising from 87 citations in 2025 to 160 this year. Speeding tickets also increased significantly, from 302 in 2025 to 401 in 2026.
Troop F, which covers parts of the Hudson Valley region, issued 89 total tickets during its enforcement detail, including 54 distracted driving citations. In addition, Troop T, which patrols the New York State Thruway, including stretches passing through Rockland County, issued the highest number of tickets statewide with 309 citations, including 197 speeding violations and 27 Move Over Law violations.
State Police are reminding drivers to remain alert in highway work zones, reduce speeds, and comply with New York’s Move Over Law to help protect highway workers, emergency responders, and fellow motorists.
