Governor Kathy Hochul is urging New Yorkers to drive safely during the holiday season, noting an increased presence of State Police and local law enforcement on the roads. The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative, running through January 1, 2026, is aimed at reducing impaired and reckless driving. Hochul stated that individuals who endanger themselves or others while driving this holiday season could face tickets or criminal charges, according to the Governor's office.
To support holiday travel, New York has suspended temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction on state highways from 6 a.m. today, to 6 a.m. on December 29, and again from 6 a.m. on December 31, through 6 a.m. on January 5, 2026. This aligns with the state’s Drivers First Initiative, which aims to reduce traffic delays. Some work may still continue for emergency repairs or behind permanent concrete barriers.
As per the Governor's office, enforcement efforts will also focus on speeding, distracted driving, and violations of the "Move Over Law," in addition to identifying impaired drivers. Mark J.F. Schroeder, New York State DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair, emphasized that drivers who break the law during the holidays will face consequences.
Safety measures extend beyond driving, with the Thruway Authority providing free coffee and hot tea to travelers on the Thruway from 11 p.m. New Year’s Eve through 7 a.m. New Year’s Day. All 27 Thruway service areas are open, and travelers are encouraged to use the Thruway Authority’s website and mobile app for planning stops, as well as accessing real-time traffic and navigation information.
During last year’s holiday enforcement, law enforcement across New York issued 129,686 tickets for offenses including speeding, distracted driving, seatbelt violations, and "Move Over Law" infractions, and made over 4,000 arrests for impaired driving, as reported by the Governor's office. Data from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services shows that about 90 percent of felony and misdemeanor arrests for operating a vehicle under the influence result in a conviction. These traffic campaigns, funded by the GTSC, aim to promote safe driving during the holidays, when the risk of impaired driving is higher.
Finally, the GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation have a mobile app designed to help New Yorkers plan safe ways home before festivities begin. In an official announcement, the “Have a Plan” app lets users locate a taxi or rideshare service, call a sober friend or use public transportation. The app is an added measure within the state's comprehensive strategy to ensure the safety of drivers and their loved ones during holiday revelries.
