As the weather warms up and COVID-19 vaccinations rise, people are sure to gather to celebrate Memorial Day weekend. The increased traffic—and increased drinking—that typically comes with a long holiday weekend means state and local police will be doubling down on traffic enforcement. New York’s Memorial Day STOP-DWI Crackdown will run from Friday, May 28 through Tuesday, June 1. 

Law enforcement will be monitoring roads in marked police cars and undercover vehicles. In addition to watching for intoxicated drivers, police will also be stepping up enforcement for more common traffic violations.  DWI carries very significant penalties including fines and the potential for license suspension and increased auto insurance rates. 

The STOP-DWI campaign will run simultaneously with the Governor’s Traffic and Safety Commission’s (GTSC) “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement program, which began Monday, May 24, and will continue through Sunday, June 6. In addition to the crackdown on unbelted drivers and passengers, the program includes educational talks at high schools and other efforts to promote seat belt use.

Despite the pandemic being in full swing last year, police still issued 8,907 tickets as part of the 2020 Memorial Day STOP-DWI enforcement. More than 3,330 tickets were for speeding. Seat belt violations made up 420 tickets, while 171 were for cell phone and texting violations, and 109 were for ‘Move Over’ law violations. In addition, police arrested 203 people for driving while intoxicated and investigated 457 crashes involving 11 injured persons during last year’s stepped-up enforcement. 

If you or a loved one is charged with drunk driving or any other traffic violation due to enhanced police enforcement over this Memorial Day weekend, contact Rosenblum Law right away. Our attorneys have extensive experience fighting alcohol and other traffic-related charges. E-mail or call 888-883-5529 for a free consultation about your case.