New York Boosts St. Patrick's Day DUI Enforcement

Governor Hochul announces increased patrols to combat drunk, impaired, and reckless driving during holiday period.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State Police and local law enforcement will increase patrols from March 9 to March 17 to combat drunk, impaired, and reckless driving during the St. Patrick's Day holiday period. The annual traffic safety enforcement campaign is funded by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and will include DWI checkpoints, roving patrols, and checks at retail establishments to target underage drinking.

Why it matters

Impaired driving is a major public safety issue, with nearly 12,000 alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. each year. New York is taking proactive steps to remove dangerous drivers from the roads and educate the public on the risks and consequences of drunk and drugged driving, especially during high-risk holiday periods.

The details

During last year's St. Patrick's Day enforcement, officers statewide arrested 1,224 people for DWI, issued 10,314 speeding tickets, and a total of 55,661 tickets. Impaired driving can result in jail time, license suspension, higher insurance rates, and thousands of dollars in fines and fees.

  • The enforcement period will begin on Monday, March 9, and run through Tuesday, March 17.
  • Last year's St. Patrick's Day impaired driving enforcement operation took place in 2025.

The players

Governor Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who announced the increased enforcement and education campaign.

Mark J.F. Schroeder

Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.

Steven G. James

Superintendent of the New York State Police.

Juan Figueroa

Ulster County Sheriff and President of the New York State Sheriffs' Association.

Paul Oliva

President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police and Chief of the Mount Pleasant Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“As Governor, there is no greater commitment than my promise to make our state safer for all, and I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for their commitment to keep New Yorkers safe.”

— Governor Kathy Hochul (ny.gov)

“Impaired driving can destroy your life. Not only are you putting yourself and others on the roadways in danger, you are also risking a felony arrest, the loss of your driver's license and costly legal fees. Having a plan for a safe ride saves lives.”

— Mark J.F. Schroeder, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (ny.gov)

“State Police and local law enforcement will be vigilant as always, intercepting drunk drivers throughout the state this St. Patrick's Day. Driving is a privilege, not a right. The goal is to ensure that people think twice before drinking and getting behind the wheel.”

— Steven G. James, Superintendent of the New York State Police (ny.gov)

“As St. Patrick's Day approaches it is a great time to make plans with family and friends. Drive safe and sober and you may have the luck of the Irish. Drive impaired or aggressively and you won't find a pot of gold, instead you'll find law enforcement ready to ticket and arrest you.”

— Juan Figueroa, Ulster County Sheriff and President of the NYS Sheriffs' Association (ny.gov)

“Everyone likes to look over a four-leaf clover on St. Patrick's Day, but don't press your luck. Please have a travel plan when celebrating the day. Drive sober, slow down, and stay safe.”

— Paul Oliva, New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and Mount Pleasant Police Department Chief (ny.gov)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This annual enforcement campaign highlights New York's commitment to public safety and its zero tolerance approach to impaired driving, which claims thousands of lives nationwide each year. By educating the public and aggressively enforcing DUI laws, especially during high-risk holiday periods, the state aims to prevent senseless tragedies and keep its roads safe for all.