State Police and local law enforcement will be out in full force across New York through Labor Day as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, aimed at cracking down on drugged and drunk driving. The enforcement period began Wednesday, August 13, 2025, and continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 1.
Labor Day weekend traditionally brings heavy traffic and, with it, an increase in accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Police say extra patrols and checkpoints will be deployed to remove impaired and reckless drivers from the roads.
“Year-round our members work to reduce drunk driving crashes and promote traffic safety,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “Our goal during this campaign is to ensure we can take intoxicated and drug-impaired drivers off our road and prevent senseless tragedies. I thank the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for their shared commitment in making New York’s roadways safer.”
Motorists can expect to encounter sobriety checkpoints and enhanced patrols, including the use of both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles. These undercover vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but can quickly activate emergency lighting when needed, allowing troopers to spot violations more effectively.
The campaign is supported in part by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation are also promoting the “Have a Plan” mobile app, available for Apple, Android, and Windows smartphones. The app provides resources such as taxi contacts, a designated driver list, DWI law information, and a tool to report suspected impaired drivers.
Last year’s Labor Day enforcement period, from August 30 to September 2, 2024, resulted in 10,240 tickets issued and 232 arrests for driving while intoxicated.