New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies are participating in a nationwide traffic safety effort aimed at removing impaired drivers from the roads during the holiday travel period.
The enforcement campaign, known as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” will run through Thursday, January 1, 2026. It includes increased patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and monitoring for unsafe driving behaviors.
In addition to driving while intoxicated (DWI) enforcement, officers will be watching for speeding, distracted driving, and violations of the state’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching vehicles stopped on the side of the road.
Officials say the goal of the campaign is to reduce crashes and improve roadway safety during a time when traffic volumes are higher due to holiday travel.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead for a sober ride, avoid distractions behind the wheel, obey posted speed limits, and use extra caution in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions.
Holiday Construction Closures Temporarily Suspended
To help ease congestion during peak travel periods, temporary lane closures for state road and bridge construction projects will be suspended:
- From 6 a.m. Wednesday, December 24 through 6 a.m. Monday, December 29
- From 6 a.m. Wednesday, December 31 through 6 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2026
Officials note that some work may continue behind permanent barriers or in emergency situations.
Drivers are reminded that New York’s Move Over Law was expanded in March 2024 and now requires motorists to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway, including emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and maintenance vehicles.
Travel and Safety Resources Available
Texting stops, rest areas, service plazas, and park-and-ride facilities remain available to help reduce distracted driving. Along the New York State Thruway, free coffee and hot tea will be offered to overnight travelers from 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve through 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day to encourage alert driving.
All 27 service areas on the Thruway are open.
Travelers can check road and traffic conditions by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511NY system online, or using the 511NY mobile app, which provides real-time traffic updates, camera views, and audible alerts while driving. Drivers can also sign up for TRANSalert email notifications for updates along the Thruway.
Officials advise travelers to check conditions before leaving, allow extra time, and drive cautiously throughout the holiday period.
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