New York Targets Impaired Driving with Super Bowl Weekend Enforcement
On February 6, 2026, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that state and local law enforcement agencies will be stepping up patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter impaired driving during Super Bowl LX celebrations. The initiative is part of a national enforcement campaign funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). It begins on February 3 and runs through the end of Super Bowl Sunday on February 8, blanketing the state’s highways and local roads with troopers and officers trained to identify and arrest drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
State officials said the goal is to prevent tragedies that too often follow big game parties. During last year’s campaign, officers made 1,021 impaired driving arrests and issued nearly 50,000 citations for speeding, seatbelt violations and other dangerous behaviors. This year, the New York State Police will again be supported by sheriffs’ offices and municipal police departments. In addition to sobriety checkpoints, teams will target speeding, distracted driving and reckless behavior such as racing from party to party. The effort reflects New York’s broader strategy of combining public education with high‑visibility enforcement to keep roads safe.
Governor Hochul urged everyone watching the Super Bowl to plan ahead. “If you drive impaired or make poor choices that put you and others on the roads in danger, next year may not come,” she said, encouraging fans to designate a sober driver or use rideshare or taxi services. She reminded New Yorkers that life is more important than a football game and said law enforcement will be out in force to make sure everyone gets home safely.
DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J. F. Schroeder echoed that message. “Whether you’re cheering for the Seahawks, the Patriots, Bad Bunny or the commercials, the best way to celebrate the Super Bowl is responsibly,” he said. “Everybody wins when we work together to keep our roads safe.” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James noted that there are no winners when someone chooses to drive impaired, and he pledged continued support from the State Police and local partners. Sheriffs’ Association President Juan Figueroa and Mount Pleasant Police Chief Paul Oliva urged drivers to make “good decisions” before the game, reminding them that they cannot call a time‑out if a crash occurs.
Officials offered several tips to help keep everyone safe. The GTSC’s “Have a Plan” mobile app helps users locate taxi and rideshare services, identify a designated driver and learn about DWI laws. Party hosts should take keys from guests who have been drinking and help them arrange a safe ride. If you see a suspected drunk driver, call 911 and report them to law enforcement. Most importantly, always drive 100 percent sober – even one drink could be one too many. For DMVAppointments.org users, this enforcement reminds us that a single impaired driving charge can lead to license suspensions, increased insurance costs and even jail time. Planning ahead means protecting yourself, your passengers and everyone else on the road. That way, the only nail-biting drama this Super Bowl weekend is on the field.