Governor Hochul Announces Extra Police Patrols, Construction Suspensions, and Safety Measures for Safe Holiday Travel

By Y.M. Lowy

Governor Kathy Hochul is reminding New Yorkers to stay safe on the roads when driving during the busy holiday season. State Police and local law enforcement are stepping up patrols as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

“Anyone putting themselves or others in danger on the road will face tickets or criminal charges,” Governor Hochul said. “Our state has zero tolerance for impaired or reckless driving—safety always comes first.”

Officers won’t just be looking for drunk drivers. They’ll also be watching for speeding, distracted driving, and violations of the Move Over Law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over when passing vehicles stopped on the side of the road.

To make holiday travel easier, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction on New York State highways will be suspended during the busiest travel periods: Dec. 24–29 and Dec. 31–Jan. 5. Some essential work may still continue behind barriers or for emergency repairs.

The Move Over Law, expanded in March 2024, applies to all vehicles stopped along the roadway. Drivers are urged to stay alert, slow down, and move over.

New York State also encourages safe, focused driving with text-free zones at rest stops, service areas, and park-and-ride locations. Along the Thruway, free coffee and hot tea will be offered from 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve through 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day to help drivers stay alert.

All 27 Thruway service areas are open, and travelers can check locations, real-time traffic, and navigation using the Thruway Authority’s free app or by signing up for TRANSalert emails.

Last year, law enforcement issued 129,686 tickets. Of those tickets 23,339 were for speeding, 4,205 were for distracted driving, 3,230 were for seatbelts, 981 for the “Move Over Law” and 4,264 individuals were arrested for impaired driving. 93,667 drivers were ticketed for other infractions.