New Jersey officials have launched the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign to address impaired driving during the holiday season. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) announced that $703,500 in funding will be distributed to 125 law enforcement agencies across the state. The campaign runs from December 5, 2025, through January 1, 2026, and includes increased patrols and checkpoints.
The initiative is part of a nationwide effort to reduce crashes caused by impaired driving, which tend to rise during the holidays. Last year in New Jersey, there were 647 fatal crashes resulting in 684 deaths. Of those drivers involved in fatal incidents, 32.5 percent had consumed alcohol.
Attorney General Platkin stated, “No one wants an empty seat at the holiday table. Impaired driving is completely unacceptable and can have devastating consequences. Police across the state will be out removing impaired drivers from the road to protect New Jersey families during the holiday season.”
Michael J. Rizol Jr., Director of HTS, noted a positive trend but warned about seasonal risks: “So far, New Jersey has seen a decrease in fatal crashes in 2025 compared to last year. However, we are approaching a dangerous time of year when we see an increase in impaired driving. We urge everyone to make a plan to get home safely and never drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances.”
During last year’s campaign, HTS provided $732,400 in grants to 130 law enforcement agencies. This resulted in 590 arrests for impaired driving as well as thousands of citations for speeding and seat belt violations.
For more information on safe driving initiatives and updates from HTS, residents can follow their social media channels.
