Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Announces More Than 50,000 Tickets Issued During Statewide Independence Day Impaired Driving Enforcement Mobilization
50,417 Tickets Issued Statewide for Various Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations
1,576 Tickets Issued Statewide for Impaired Driving
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today announced law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 50,417 tickets for various vehicle and traffic law violations, including 1,576 tickets for alcohol- or drug-impaired driving and 8,170 tickets for speeding, during a statewide mobilization targeting impaired drivers over the Independence Day holiday week. The enforcement period ran from Monday, June 29, through Monday, July 5, 2026.
“As we all spent time celebrating America’s 250th birthday, most drivers acted responsibly when they headed home, but unfortunately, some made the irresponsible choice to drive impaired or recklessly and found out the hard way that we have zero tolerance for that in New York,” said New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. “I thank our law enforcement partners for their steadfast commitment to keeping our roadways as safe as possible by removing dangerous drivers."
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “I applaud the tremendous work put forth by our members and law enforcement partners that have attributed to the success of this enforcement. There is zero tolerance for impaired and distracted drivers on New York’s roadways, and we hope campaigns such as this will make motorists think twice before putting keys in the ignition. We will remain vigilant in intercepting and apprehending irresponsible drivers to keep our roads safe for all.”
During the campaign, State and local law enforcement officers utilized sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers as well as targeting speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. Below is a breakdown of the total tickets that were issued.
Violation | Number of Tickets |
|---|---|
Impaired Driving | 1,576 |
Distracted Driving | 2.025 |
Move Over | 408 |
Speeding | 8,170 |
Seat Belt | 3,661 |
Other Violations | 34,577 |
Grand Total | 50,417 |
Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, President of the NYS Sheriffs’ Association, said, “Many people around the State had Independence Day celebrations with family and friends. Most ended their fun days by being sober and courteous behind the wheel. Some people chose to drive impaired or aggressively and risked losing their own independence by being a danger to other road users. Law enforcement ticketed, and in some cases arrested, many of these drivers to keep the roads safe for all. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to continue enjoying summer, but in a safe way with a plan to not drive impaired."
Town of Brighton Police Department Chief David Catholdi, President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, said, “It’s easy to get caught up in celebrating with family and friends, but taking a moment to plan for a safe ride home can make all the difference. Keeping New York’s roads safe is one of our members’ highest priorities, and that means preventing impaired drivers from endangering themselves or others. We thank GTSC and our law enforcement partners for their continued efforts to reduce impaired and reckless driving during the July 4 holiday period and throughout the year across New York State.”
The Independence Day impaired driving enforcement campaign is one of several coordinated initiatives sponsored by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes. These mobilizations provide resources to law enforcement statewide to target underage drinking and increase DWI patrols and sobriety check points during the campaign period. Other impaired driving campaigns occur around St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and periods of time from August to September and December to January.
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website.
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