New Jersey Launches Statewide ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Campaign Ahead of Labor Day
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey traffic safety officials are doubling down on road safety this summer. Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) have officially announced the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement initiative.
Running through Labor Day, September 7, 2026, drivers across the state will see a significant increase in police patrols, high-visibility enforcement, and roadside sobriety checkpoints.
Over $700,000 Granted to Local & State Police
To back the high-visibility effort, HTS has awarded over $700,000 in grant funding to bolster patrols across New Jersey:
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$511,580 distributed among 106 local police departments
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$191,153 allocated directly to the New Jersey State Police
These funds support dedicated law enforcement hours aimed specifically at removing impaired drivers from the road before a preventable tragedy occurs.
“A celebration should never end with someone taking a chance behind the wheel,” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. “Make the responsible decision before the festivities begin. Arrange a sober ride, designate a driver, or stay where you are.”
The Reality of Impaired Driving: A Deadly Threat
Traffic statistics highlight the dangerous reality of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs:
| Region | Fatalities Involving Impaired Drivers (2024 Data) | Share of Total Traffic Deaths |
| Nationwide (US) | 11,367 deaths (~31 per day) | ~20% of all traffic fatalities |
| New Jersey | 186 deaths | ~27% of fatal state crashes |
It’s Not Just Alcohol
State officials emphasize that impairment includes much more than drinking. Cannabis, prescription medications, illegal substances, and multi-substance combinations severely affect a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and motor control—even if the physical effects don’t feel obvious immediately.
What Are the Consequences of a DUI/DWI Arrest in NJ?
Getting caught driving impaired carries severe legal, financial, and personal penalties:
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Immediate Driver’s License Suspension
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Substantial Fines, Court Costs, and Insurance Surcharges
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Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device Installation
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Compulsory Alcohol/Drug Education Programs
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Possible Incarceration & Permanent Criminal Record
During the 2025 Labor Day campaign alone, NJ law enforcement officers logged 1,612 DUI arrests, 6,228 speeding tickets, and tens of thousands of other traffic violations.
How to Stay Safe and Avoid Arrest
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Plan Ahead: Arrange a rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taxi, or designated sober driver before going out.
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Never Drive Impaired: If you’ve consumed alcohol or impairing substances, stay where you are.
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Intervene: Do not allow friends or family members to get behind the wheel if they’re impaired.
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Report Impaired Drivers: If you spot an erratic driver on New Jersey roads, call 911 when safe to do so.
For more information on state traffic safety initiatives, visit the official New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety portal.
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No doubt driving when actually impaired is not advised
However the .08 threshold is bullshit. It should be higher.
A social drinker of average size is ‘under the influence’ after 2-3 drinks