Governor Hochul Announces Increased Patrols to Curb Impaired Driving During Super Bowl Celebrations

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies statewide are participating in the national enforcement initiative to eliminate impaired driving during this year’s Super Bowl celebrations. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) funds the campaign, which began Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and runs through Super Bowl Sunday, February 8, 2026. Along with increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers, police will target speeding, distracted driving and other reckless driving behaviors.

“If you’re like me and your team didn’t make it to the big game, you know there’s always next year,” Governor Hochul said. “However, if you drive impaired or make poor or reckless choices that put you and others on the roads in danger, next year may not come. We want all New Yorkers celebrating Super Bowl LX to plan ahead, have a designated driver or be the designated driver. Law enforcement officers will be out across the state making sure football fans are celebrating responsibly so we all can see the day the Buffalo Bills bring home the Lombardi.”

During the 2025 Super Bowl weekend campaign, law enforcement officers arrested 1,021 people for impaired driving and issued 49,948 total tickets.

Here are some tips to make sure everyone gets home safely:

• The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation “Have a Plan” mobile app is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and a way to report suspected impaired drivers.
• Plan ahead: Designate a sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare. Ask your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance or help them arrange ridesharing with sober drivers. If you don’t drink, offer to drive guests home.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
• Always drive 100 percent sober. Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many.
• If you’re hosting a party, ensure your guests have a safe ride home. Take the keys from anyone who is impaired and is trying to drive.
• Remember, if you serve a guest alcohol and he or she gets in a crash that night, you could be held liable.