Nearly 25,000 Traffic Tickets Issued Statewide Over St. Patrick’s Weekend

A shot of traffic at a stop light on Camp Road off the I90 exit ramp in Hamburg, New York.Photo byPhoto by J.M. Lesinski

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the issuance of roughly 24,699 traffic tickets over the Saint Patrick’s Day weekend (with the official enforcement period running March 15 to March 17, 2024) from various state law enforcement agencies for assorted vehicle and traffic law violations, with 935 of the tickets specifically issued for impaired driving.

“As I have said many times in the past, New York will be resolute in removing impaired and reckless drivers from our roadways," Hochul stated of the enforcement period. “I want to thank our law enforcement officers for their continued commitment to protecting and keeping New Yorkers safe.”

The total breakdown for the grand total 24,699 tickets is as follows: 935 tickets for impaired driving, 219 tickets for distracted driving, 100 tickets for move over violations, 4,600 tickets for speeding, 625 tickets for seatbelt violations, and 18,351 tickets for various other violations.

“These mobilizations are coordinated at times of the year when we know there is a higher likelihood of individuals driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and they strengthen the ability of law enforcement to protect everyone on our roads during those periods,” remarked Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder of the enforcement period. “This is not about ruining anyone’s celebration—it’s about making sure everyone gets home safely, and the result of these efforts clearly show why they are so important.”

The campaign primarily utilized sobriety checkpoints, increased patrols, and targeted underage drinking with the focus of deterring, identifying, and arresting intoxicated and impaired drivers. Recurring on many major holidays, this initiative is funded via the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC).