Governor Hochul Announces Thanksgiving Enforcement Initiative Targeting Impaired and Reckless Driving in New York

Published on November 23, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a special Thanksgiving enforcement initiative in New York, aimed at cracking down on impaired and reckless driving. The initiative, running from November 22 through November 30, 2024, involves the New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies increasing patrols to target unsafe driving behaviors during the busy Thanksgiving travel period. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) funds this program, which aims to reduce the risks associated with alcohol- and drug-related driving offenses. As thousands of people travel to gather with loved ones, the initiative is a vital step in ensuring safer roads for all.

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and unfortunately, it’s also a period associated with higher instances of alcohol consumption and driving under the influence. Governor Hochul’s enforcement initiative intends to prevent tragedies that often occur due to impaired and reckless driving. Law enforcement officers will be out in full force, conducting sobriety checkpoints and focusing on distracted driving. The increased presence of officers on the road during this critical period is aimed at not just making arrests, but also deterring potential offenders. By taking action now, the state hopes to ensure that drivers are more aware of the dangers of impaired driving.

The Importance of Governor Hochul’s Thanksgiving Enforcement Initiative

The Thanksgiving Enforcement Initiative announced by Governor Kathy Hochul is a critical measure aimed at addressing the rise in impaired and reckless driving. Each year, the state sees a significant increase in traffic volume, with more people traveling to family gatherings. However, this period also coincides with increased alcohol consumption, making the roadways more dangerous. The increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints will serve as a deterrent to anyone thinking about driving under the influence. It’s not just about making arrests; it’s about protecting lives and ensuring the safety of everyone on the road.

Law enforcement agencies will also be on the lookout for drivers violating New York’s Move Over Law. This law requires drivers to slow down and move over when they see emergency or maintenance vehicles on the side of the road. The state’s commitment to addressing all aspects of unsafe driving during the holiday season shows how seriously it takes road safety. By focusing on both impaired driving and reckless driving, the initiative aims to significantly reduce accidents and fatalities. This comprehensive approach to traffic safety ensures that drivers are more likely to follow the rules, knowing there will be strict consequences for violations.

Increased Traffic and the Risks of Impaired Driving

Thanksgiving is a time when families come together, but it’s also a time when road traffic surges. With more vehicles on the road, the risk of accidents increases. Additionally, alcohol consumption during the holiday leads to a higher likelihood of impaired driving incidents. In 2024, during the Thanksgiving period, 1,705 drivers were arrested for driving while impaired or intoxicated. This statistic underscores the need for increased enforcement and vigilance during this time. Law enforcement is not only focusing on impaired drivers but also targeting speeding and distracted driving, two other common dangers during the holidays.

The initiative highlights the state’s proactive stance in combating these issues. With officers working round-the-clock to identify unsafe drivers, there’s a clear message being sent to the public: impaired driving will not be tolerated. In fact, the costs associated with a driving while impaired arrest can reach up to $10,000, considering attorney fees, insurance rate hikes, car towing, and the loss of driving privileges. The high costs are just one part of the penalty—those who choose to drive impaired are also risking their lives and the lives of others. Governor Hochul’s initiative aims to reduce these preventable tragedies by taking action before accidents occur.

Supporting Enforcement with Technology and Strategic Patrols

To further enhance the effectiveness of the Thanksgiving Enforcement Initiative, the New York State Police will use cutting-edge technology to detect impaired and distracted drivers. Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) patrol vehicles, which are unmarked but equipped with emergency lighting, will be used to spot drivers using handheld devices or engaging in other distracted behaviors. These vehicles blend into everyday traffic, providing law enforcement with a strategic advantage in catching drivers who might otherwise go unnoticed.

The use of these advanced patrol techniques, along with fixed sobriety checkpoints, will help increase the detection of unsafe drivers. The New York State Police are also working in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies to ensure a comprehensive statewide approach. This combined effort ensures that no matter where drivers are, they will be within reach of law enforcement’s watchful eye. The result is a much greater chance of preventing impaired or reckless driving from causing accidents and fatalities during one of the most heavily trafficked times of the year.

Construction Closures Suspended for Smoother Travel

Alongside the increased law enforcement presence, the state is also working to ease travel disruptions during the Thanksgiving period by suspending construction activities on highways. Starting at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, through 6 a.m. on Monday, December 1, lane closures and construction work will be temporarily suspended. This suspension is part of the state’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists by reducing roadwork-related delays during high-traffic periods.

This construction break ensures that there are fewer obstacles on the roads during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. By removing roadblocks and construction detours, the state aims to make travel more efficient and safer. However, drivers should remain alert, as some work may still continue behind permanent barriers, especially for emergency repairs. The focus on easing travel during this period demonstrates the state’s commitment to improving the driving experience for its residents and visitors, while also ensuring that safety remains a top priority.

The Move Over Law and Other Safety Measures

Another important aspect of the Governor’s Thanksgiving Enforcement Initiative is the reinforcement of New York’s Move Over Law. This law, which was expanded in March 2024, requires drivers to slow down and move over when they see vehicles stopped on the side of the road. This law is particularly important for the safety of emergency personnel, roadside workers, and law enforcement officers who are often exposed to traffic while performing their duties.

By reminding motorists of their responsibility to move over when encountering stopped vehicles, the state aims to reduce the risk of accidents involving emergency responders. As part of the initiative, the Thruway Authority and the state’s Department of Transportation are urging all drivers to stay alert, slow down, and move over whenever they encounter a stopped vehicle. This simple act could save lives, preventing unnecessary accidents that could otherwise occur due to driver inattention or neglige

Practical Tools for Drivers: How to Stay Safe During Thanksgiving Travel

To help New Yorkers stay safe on the road during the Thanksgiving period, the state is offering several practical tools. The “Have a Plan” mobile app, available for iPhone, Android, and Windows smartphones, helps users locate a taxi, rideshare service, or designated driver. The app also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, ensuring that drivers have all the information they need to make safe choices before getting behind the wheel.

For those planning their journeys, the state’s 511NY service is also a valuable resource. The 511NY website and mobile app provide real-time traffic information, including live camera feeds, traffic incidents, and road conditions across the state. These tools make it easier for drivers to stay informed and avoid delays, helping to ensure safer, smoother travel during the busy Thanksgiving period.