Hochul Launches Statewide St. Patrick's Day Impaired Driving Crackdown

New York law enforcement to increase patrols and checkpoints to combat drunk, drugged and reckless driving over holiday weekend

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has kicked off a statewide St. Patrick's Day impaired driving enforcement and education campaign. State police and local law enforcement will be conducting increased patrols, DWI checkpoints, and retail establishment checks from March 13-17 to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving. The annual mobilization is funded by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.

Why it matters

Impaired driving remains a major public safety issue, with nearly 12,000 alcohol-related deaths nationwide each year. The St. Patrick's Day holiday is historically one of the deadliest times on the roads due to increased drunk driving. This enforcement campaign aims to deter impaired driving and make New York's roads safer for all.

The details

During last year's St. Patrick's Day impaired driving enforcement, New York law enforcement arrested 1,224 people for DWI, issued 10,314 speeding tickets, and a total of 55,661 tickets. This year, officers will be on the lookout for drunk, drugged and reckless drivers, as well as conducting checks at retail establishments to target underage drinking and unlawful alcohol sales.

  • The enforcement campaign runs from March 13 through March 17, 2026.
  • Last year's St. Patrick's Day impaired driving enforcement resulted in 1,224 DWI arrests statewide.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who announced the statewide impaired driving enforcement and education campaign.

Juan Figueroa

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

Paul Oliva

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

Mark J.F. Schroeder

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

Steven G. James

The Superintendent of the New York State Police.

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What they’re saying

“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 (Patch.com)

“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 (Patch.com)

“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. It's simple, designate a sober driver to get home.”

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

What’s next

The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee will continue to monitor the results of the St. Patrick's Day impaired driving enforcement campaign and work with law enforcement to identify any additional steps needed to improve road safety.

The takeaway

This enforcement crackdown underscores New York's zero-tolerance policy for impaired and reckless driving, which remains a serious public safety threat. By planning ahead and designating sober drivers, New Yorkers can enjoy St. Patrick's Day celebrations safely and responsibly.