New York State Takes Most Aggressive Stance to Date Against Impaired Driving Through Largest-Ever Awareness Campaign and Coordinated Crackdowns
Under the leadership of New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt, DMV and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) have launched their most comprehensive and coordinated mobilization to date to combat impaired driving. Throughout the year, this aggressive, multi-front effort has united state and local law enforcement, investigators, and community partners to crack down on driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, prescription drugs, or a combination of substances.
“We are mobilizing every resource we can and aggressively pursuing stronger community engagement because the safety of New Yorkers is non-negotiable,” said New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. “Governor Hochul has made protecting New York families a top priority and this focus from DMV directly supports that vision. Our goal is zero roadway deaths, and we are standing side-by-side with law enforcement to take dangerous drivers off our streets and to deliver a clear message that there is no excuse for impaired driving. Before you turn the key, make a plan for a sober ride home. One bad decision can ruin lives in an instant.”
Strategic Enforcement
A pillar of the State’s robust initiative are highly visible, coordinated enforcement details designed to deter and intercept impaired drivers during high-risk holiday periods and major events, including Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and upcoming fall and winter holidays. Supported by GTSC-administered grants, law enforcement agencies across the state have significantly increased patrols. During eight targeted enforcement periods so far in 2026, officers have issued more than 15,700 tickets to alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers.
To protect younger New Yorkers, DMV partnered with statewide law enforcement on “Operation Prevent,” a targeted project to deter underage drinking at concert venues and summer events. Investigators checked identifications at 35 major events since May, resulting in 279 citations and the seizure of 318 fake IDs, which also helps protect young people from identity theft associated with buying counterfeit IDs.
Public Awareness and Community Engagement
Complementing these robust enforcement measures, DMV launched a widespread, bilingual public awareness campaign designed to reach New Yorkers at critical decision-making moments. Running from Memorial Day through Labor Day, this strategic effort delivered life-saving messaging in English and Spanish across social media, streaming platforms, convenience stores, gas stations, and major sports venues like Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, generating over 72 million impressions.
GTSC also expanded its direct community engagement, hosting educational events at major venues such as the Rochester Red Wings and Long Island Ducks baseball stadiums to underscore the dangers of multi-substance impairment, like combining alcohol with prescription medications.
GTSC also continues to fund and foster vital collaborative programs with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and STOP-DWI New York. These partnerships deliver targeted prevention messaging to schools and communities while recognizing the outstanding efforts of local law enforcement officers and community leaders dedicated to keeping New York’s roads safe.
Additional Video Resources
Acting Commissioner Jackstadt visits a DWI checkpoint
Acting Commissioner Jackstadt discusses Operation Prevent detail
Learn more about impaired driving and other traffic safety initiatives on DMV's website and the GTSC website. We also encourage you to follow the DMV conversation on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn and see what's being discussed on GTSC's Facebook, GTSC's X and GTSC's Instagram channel.
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