Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and thousands of New Jersey residents and visitors will take advantage of the long weekend to enjoy our beaches, state parks, lakes, and other attractions, as well as gather with family and friends for celebrations.

With a favorable forecast calling for mostly sunny and dry days, we remind all motorists that safe driving is essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone. Please drive responsibly and carefully as we bring the summer of 2025 to a close.

During the 2024 Labor Day holiday period, four of the eight fatal crashes in New Jersey involved impairment from alcohol or drugs as a contributing factor. These are preventable tragedies. If you plan to drink this weekend, don’t get behind the wheel—call a taxi, use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, designate a sober driver, or arrange to stay where you are. One responsible choice can save a life.

The New Jersey State Police plan to significantly increase traffic enforcement details across the state from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, to 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2. During this period, more than 140 additional troopers will be on special details targeting aggressive driving, speeding, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and DWI in addition to regularly scheduled patrols.

With increased traffic expected on New Jersey’s waterways this holiday weekend, the State Police Marine Services Bureau will have an enhanced presence. Troopers will focus on identifying impaired operators and those operating personal watercraft or other powered vessels recklessly. They will also be checking that operators have the proper licenses. Boaters are urged to make responsible decisions—unsafe behavior on the water can have serious, even deadly, consequences.

“We have over 140 additional troopers on patrol this Labor Day weekend as part of our ongoing effort to keep families and communities safe, but we cannot do it alone,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.