NYC DOT, NYPD Launch Awareness Campaign to Remind New Yorkers to Not Drive Impaired During Holiday Weekend

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2026
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NYC DOT, NYPD Launch Awareness Campaign to Remind New Yorkers to Not Drive Impaired During Holiday Weekend

NYPD to lead enforcement of drunk and impaired driving during summer's kickoff weekend NYC DOT to launch new World Cup-themed anti-DWI campaign in June

NYC DOT's new anti-DWI campaign tailored to the World Cup this summer. Credit: NYC DOT

NEW YORK -The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and other Vision Zero agencies jointly announced the annual efforts to crack down on speeding and drunk driving ahead of Memorial Day weekend, as well as a new anti-DWI campaign targeted around the World Cup. The awareness efforts are part of the state's STOP-DWI High Visibility campaign.

"After one of the harshest winters in recent history, New Yorkers are eager to get out and finally celebrate the long, sunny days of summer-but please do so responsibly," said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. "Mass transit is the best way to get around the city and if you think you're going to have a few drinks this weekend or at a World Cup watch party this summer, please make plans ahead to get home by transit, a cab, or carpool with a designated driver."

"This Memorial Day weekend, the NYPD is committed to ensuring residents and tourists alike are safe as they enjoy the very best that New York City has to offer," said NYPD Chief of Transportation Olufunmilola F. Obe. "We urge everyone to drive responsibly and obey the rules of the road with no exceptions. The NYPD will be out in full force this weekend and throughout the summer months, conducting enforcement against speeding and drunk driving so that all New Yorkers can get to where they're going safely."

"TLC licensees are trained, professional drivers who can get you home after you've been out celebrating the warm weather or partying for the World Cup," said TLC Chair and Commissioner Midori Valdivia. "Memorial Day might be the unofficial start of summer, but it's never too early to officially remind residents and visitors that TLC drivers are some of the safest drivers in our city, so don't get a red card: grab yourself a cab or other TLC-licensed vehicle and get home safe."

NYPD Memorial Day Enforcement: The NYPD will continue to keep New York City's highways and surface roads safe by conducting enhanced enforcement throughout Memorial Day weekend. In addition to actively enforcing the laws against speeding and reckless or impaired driving, the police will carry on the city's highly successful efforts to remove unlicensed operators from our streets while identifying and seizing uninsured or unregistered vehicles and those with fraudulent license plates.

World Cup DWI campaign: NYC DOT will be launching a new anti-DWI campaign in June, Assist a Friend in Getting Home Safe, to raise awareness of the need to drive safely during the World Cup in New York City. The campaign will launch in June, ahead of the first game, and will be located on Bus shelters, social media platforms, LinkNYC Kiosks, TaxiTV, and the Staten Island Ferry terminals and vessels throughout the tournament. The Vision Zero Street Team will promote this campaign at tabling events in high-traffic areas to remind New Yorkers the importance of driving sober.