New York Launches 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' Campaign with Increased Patrols through Labor Day
New York is stepping up its efforts to keep motorists safe during the final weeks of summer. Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the State Police and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols, sobriety checkpoints and other traffic enforcement activities across the state for the national 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign. The crackdown, which runs from August 15 through September 1, 2025, is intended to deter impaired and reckless driving during a period when many people travel for vacations, fairs and other events【431040074137567†L58-L107】.
During the enforcement period, troopers and officers will be out in force conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to catch and remove drunk and drugged drivers from the roads. Police will also deploy Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles to blend in with traffic and identify motorists who are texting or using handheld devices while driving. The campaign is supported by local agencies such as the Mount Pleasant Police Department, and funding comes from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to help cover overtime and equipment. Officials note that similar efforts last year were highly effective, resulting in more than 20,000 traffic citations statewide, including 4,374 speeding tickets and 966 arrests for impaired driving【431040074137567†L58-L107】.
Governor Hochul underscored that public safety is her top priority and urged all New Yorkers to make responsible choices when celebrating. She advised motorists to plan ahead by designating a sober driver, arranging a ride share or using public transit. DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder echoed the message, reminding drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, wear seat belts and obey the Move Over Law, which requires drivers to move over for stopped vehicles such as police, fire and tow trucks【431040074137567†L58-L107】. He expressed gratitude to law enforcement partners for their dedication and stressed that there will be zero tolerance for impaired driving.
The State Police Superintendent and chiefs from local departments also called on motorists to drive sober and responsibly. They pointed out that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol; drugs, including cannabis, can seriously impair judgement and reaction time. Drivers who are under the influence face arrest, license suspension and significant fines. The state is encouraging people to download the STOP‑DWI 'Have a Plan' mobile app, which helps users locate taxis and ride share services, plan a safe ride home and report intoxicated drivers. Officials also remind travelers that everyone in the vehicle should be buckled up, and that distracted driving, speeding and aggressive driving will be targeted along with drunk driving【431040074137567†L58-L107】.
By combining high visibility enforcement with public education, New York hopes to reduce crashes and fatalities during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Residents and visitors are urged to enjoy the end‑of‑summer festivities safely, knowing that law enforcement officers will be watching for anyone who makes the dangerous choice to drive while impaired.