New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on November 22 that state police and law enforcement agencies across the state will increase patrols during the Thanksgiving weekend to crack down on drunk and dangerous driving. The enforcement period will run from November 23 to December 1, targeting violations of the “Move Over Law” and other unsafe driving behaviors.
Governor Hochul urged drivers to stay vigilant and sober during the Thanksgiving holiday while also reminding them to yield for vehicles parked on the side of the road. “Thanksgiving kicks off the busiest travel season of the year, and we want everyone to safely reunite with friends and family,” she said.
From November 23 to December 1, New York State Police will be stationed at sobriety checkpoints and conduct patrols using unmarked traffic enforcement vehicles (CITE) to issue citations to distracted drivers or those using cell phones while driving.
Hochul’s office cautioned the public that the average fine for drunk driving can amount to $10,000. Drivers caught intoxicated or under the influence of drugs face consequences such as license suspension, increased insurance rates, legal fees, fines, towing and repair costs, as well as loss of work hours, among other unexpected expenses.
Furthermore, Hochul’s office also stressed the importance of complying with New York State’s “Move Over Law,” which requires drivers to slow down and yield for all vehicles stopped on the highway. In 2024, two highway maintenance workers lost their lives in incidents where vehicles failed to yield, while another worker was seriously injured in a separate accident.
To combat drunk driving, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and the New York STOP-DWI Foundation urged drivers to download the “Have a Plan” mobile application. This app provides options for calling a taxi or rideshare service, information on DWI penalties, and a platform to report suspected drunk drivers.
During last year’s Thanksgiving holiday, New York law enforcement officers arrested 1,342 drunk drivers, issued 7,656 speeding tickets, and 970 citations for distracted driving.
To ease traffic congestion during the Thanksgiving weekend, temporary lane closures on New York highways will be suspended from this Wednesday (November 27) at 6 a.m. until next Monday (December 2) at 6 a.m. Text stops will remain open to provide drivers with a safe place to use their phones and other electronic devices for making calls, sending texts, and navigation purposes.