New York State & Local Police Out In Full-Force Memorial Day Weekend

If you’re hitting the road for Memorial Day weekend, New York State wants to make sure you get where you’re going safely.

Whether you’re headed to the beach, firing up the grill at a backyard barbecue, or making a getaway to the Adirondacks, expect to see a lot more police out on the roads.

From Friday, May 22nd, through Monday, May 25th, New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will ramp up patrols across the state. They’ll be watching closely for drunk drivers, speeders, distracted drivers, and anyone not wearing a seatbelt.

How Are State Police Enforcing This?

Drivers can also expect sobriety checkpoints and more unmarked “CITE” vehicles on the highways. Those are police vehicles designed to blend in with regular traffic, giving troopers a better chance to spot unsafe drivers who might otherwise slow down when they see a marked patrol car.

Read More: Car Theft Rampant in Upstate NY

Last Memorial Day weekend, police handed out more than 10,000 tickets statewide and arrested over 200 people for DWI-related offenses. This year, the goal is to keep those numbers lower by increasing enforcement and visibility throughout the holiday weekend.

Be Smart & Safe

Officials are reminding drivers to buckle up, including passengers in the back seat, and never drive impaired. New York’s “Have A Plan” app is also available to help people find a safe ride home, whether that means calling a cab, arranging a rideshare, or choosing a designated driver before the celebrations begin.

As summer unofficially kicks off, the message is simple: drive smart, stay safe, and enjoy the long weekend without a ticket.