New York State Police issued hundreds of tickets along the State Thruway last week as part of a targeted enforcement effort tied to National Work Zone Awareness Week.
According to State Police Troop T, a total of 747 tickets were issued for violations in work zones spanning the Thruway’s 570-mile system during the April 20-24 campaign. The initiative is designed to promote work zone safety and remind drivers to slow down, stay alert, and follow the state’s Move Over Law to protect highway workers.
Of the total tickets issued, 452 were for speeding, 47 for Move Over Law violations, and 45 for using a cell phone or other electronic device while driving. Another 203 citations were issued for various other vehicle and traffic law violations.
As part of the campaign, troopers conducted two Operation Hard Hat enforcement details in Westchester and Rockland counties. The initiative involves plainclothes troopers posing as construction workers in active work zones while coordinating with uniformed officers to identify and stop violators.
During those two six-hour operations alone, 313 tickets were issued. That included 197 for speeding, 28 for electronic device use, and 27 for Move Over Law violations, along with other infractions.
State Police are reminding motorists to obey posted speed limits in work zones, avoid distractions, and move over when possible. Officials say enforcement efforts will continue throughout the 2026 construction season to help improve safety for both workers and drivers.
