By Hank Russell
Troopers from the New York State Police (NYSP) issued 81 out of 967 tickets to drivers on Long Island during “Operation Hard Hat,” which ran from April 20 to April 24.
Operation Hard Hat is a joint initiative between the New York State Police, the New York State Department of Transportation, and the New York State Thruway Authority, which targets dangerous driving behaviors in and around highway work zones to improve safety for highway workers and the traveling public.
During “Operation Hard Hat,” State Police conducted 12 enforcement details at Department of Transportation and Thruway operated work zones across the state. Troopers were deployed within active work zones, including members assigned as spotters dressed as highway workers to identify violations in real time.
According to data collected by NYSP, Troop L in Farmingdale issued 24 tickets for speeding, five for distracted driving, five for failing to obey the Move Over Law, 12 for failure to obey traffic control signs and 35 for other violations.
This year’s statewide figures were up from last year’s, when it was 716. Further, 401 tickets for speeding were up 33% from 302 in 2025. The number of tickets for Move Over violations jumped 84% year over year from 87 last year to 160 this year.
“The New York State Police remind all motorists that work zones demand heightened attention,” the NYSP stated. “Drivers are required to slow down, remain alert, and comply with New York’s Move Over Law. These laws are in place to protect highway workers, emergency personnel, and all motorists traveling through active work zones.”