State Police Step Up Enforcement for Labor Day Weekend as Part of “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols across the state through Labor Day weekend as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, aimed at reducing drug- and alcohol-impaired driving. The enforcement period began Wednesday, August 13, 2025, and continues through Monday, September 1, 2025.

Labor Day weekend typically brings heavy traffic, which can lead to more accidents, serious injuries, and fatalities. Authorities are stepping up efforts 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 take intoxicated and drug-impaired drivers off our roads and prevent senseless tragedies. I thank the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for their shared commitment in making New York’s roadways safer.”

Motorists should expect sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols by State Police and local law enforcement throughout the holiday weekend. Troopers will use both marked vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles. These CITE vehicles blend in with normal traffic but can be clearly identified as emergency vehicles when lights are activated, helping officers spot unsafe driving behaviors.

The campaign is partially funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation also promote the “Have a Plan” mobile app, available for Apple, Android, and Windows devices. The app allows users to find taxi services, manage a designated driver list, review DWI laws and penalties, and report suspected impaired drivers.

During last year’s 2024 Labor Day weekend enforcement, State Police issued 10,240 tickets and arrested 232 individuals for driving while intoxicated. Authorities hope this year’s campaign will similarly prevent injuries and save lives on New York roads.