New York State Police Issue Over 8,000 Tickets During Big Game Weekend

Troopers focused on DWI enforcement and road safety despite a slight increase in drunk driving arrests compared to last year.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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During the 2026 big game weekend, the New York State Police issued 8,263 tickets, focusing on DWI and road safety. This was a decrease from the 8,663 tickets issued the previous year. The troopers also arrested 177 drivers for DWI, an increase from 161 in 2025, and investigated 822 crashes statewide, including one fatal crash.

Why it matters

The New York State Police conduct these annual enforcement efforts to help prevent tragedies and keep the state's roadways safe during high-traffic holiday and event weekends, when impaired and dangerous driving behaviors tend to increase.

The details

Over the weekend from Friday, February 6th, through Sunday, February 8th, 2026, the New York State Police issued 8,263 tickets during their annual STOP-DWI traffic enforcement initiative. This campaign was funded by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and conducted in coordination with local law enforcement agencies across the state. In addition to the DWI arrests, troopers also ticketed 2,395 drivers for speeding, 287 for distracted driving, 267 for seatbelt violations, and 115 for Move Over Law violations.

  • The enforcement initiative took place from Friday, February 6th, through Sunday, February 8th, 2026.
  • In 2025, troopers issued 8,663 tickets during the big game weekend enforcement effort.

The players

New York State Police

The state law enforcement agency responsible for conducting the annual STOP-DWI traffic enforcement initiative during the big game weekend.

Governor's Traffic Safety Committee

The organization that provided funding for the New York State Police's enforcement campaign.

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The takeaway

The New York State Police's enforcement efforts during the big game weekend highlight the ongoing challenge of impaired and dangerous driving, even as they work to keep the state's roadways safe for all travelers.