Troopers Crack Down on Speeding and Aggressive Driving During “Speed Week”

Statewide Enforcement Targets Dangerous Drivers and Move Over Law Violators

New York State Police are stepping up patrols across the state this week as part of a major push to make roads safer. The annual “Speed Week” traffic enforcement campaign runs from Monday, June 9 through Sunday, June 15, 2025. Troopers will be targeting speeding, aggressive driving, and violations of New York’s “Move Over” law.

This year’s campaign follows alarming statistics showing just how deadly speeding can be. In 2023 alone, speed was a factor in 307 fatal crashes and over 11,600 personal injury accidents, according to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the University at Albany.

What to Expect on the Roads

During Speed Week, State Police will be out in force using both marked patrol cars and unmarked Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles. These undercover vehicles help Troopers spot dangerous behavior like texting behind the wheel, tailgating, or unsafe lane changes.

Once the emergency lights are activated, it becomes clear the vehicle is an official law enforcement unit. Troopers will be watching all types of vehicles—cars, trucks, and motorcycles—especially those traveling above the speed limit or weaving in and out of traffic.

Officers will also be on the lookout for:

• Distracted driving

• Impaired driving

• Failure to wear seat belts

• Violations of the Move Over law, which requires drivers to safely change lanes or slow down when approaching emergency or hazard vehicles on the roadside

Last Year’s Results: Thousands of Tickets

The 2024 Speed Week campaign resulted in a total of 22,476 traffic tickets, including:

• 11,175 speeding violations

• 592 Move Over law tickets

That level of enforcement sends a clear message: slow down, stay alert, and share the road safely.

Why It Matters: Speed Kills

Speeding doesn’t just get you a ticket—it’s deadly. Experts say higher speeds make crashes more likely and more severe. At just 10 mph over the limit, stopping distances increase significantly, and the risk of losing control doubles.

Lieutenant Brian Smith, a safety officer with the New York State Police, emphasized the point:

“We want to save lives, not write tickets. But if you put others at risk, you can expect consequences.”

Know the Law: Move Over or Pay Up

The Move Over Law protects police officers, firefighters, EMS, tow truck drivers, and roadway workers. When you see flashing lights on the side of the road, New York law requires you to:

• Change lanes if it’s safe

• If you can’t move over, slow down significantly

Violating this law can result in hefty fines and points on your license.

Stay Safe, Stay Legal

New York’s highways are busiest during the summer travel season, so it’s more important than ever to drive responsibly. Whether you’re heading to the Adirondacks or downstate for a weekend getaway, remember: slow down, buckle up, and put the phone away.

Troopers will be watching.