State Police Troop T issues nearly 100 tickets for work zone violations in single day along the Thruway

In support of the New York State Police’s commitment to targeting dangerous driving in and around highway work zones, State Police Troop T conducted another Operation Hard Hat along the New York State Thruway (I-90), this time in Herkimer County on May 22, 2026. During an eight-hour period, troopers issued 94 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations within an active work zone, 73% of which were for speeding.

The targeted enforcement was a continuation of the statewide campaign that began in April during the launch of National Work Zone Awareness Week, which urges drivers to slow down, stay alert and follow New York State’s Move Over Law to protect highway and roadside workers.

The 94 work zone violations issued were for the following:

69 - Speeding (top speed was 79 mph in posted work zone limit of 55 mph)
8 - Seatbelt violations
6- Move Over Law violations
2 -Cell phone/electronic device use
9- Other vehicle and traffic law violations

Operation Hard Hat entails troopers posing as workers embedded in an active work zone to identify violations and then advise uniformed troopers in the area to take enforcement actions.

The New York State Police remind all motorists that work zones demand heightened attention. 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.

The New York State Police will continue conducting enforcement details throughout the 2026 construction season to encourage safe driving in highway work zones.