Crackdown on Underage Drinkers: Hudson Valley Thanksgiving 2016

State investigators from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles will conduct underage drinking and fake ID enforcement sweeps, during what is traditionally one of the most popular weeks for young people to go to bars.

It's part of a Thanksgiving holiday crackdown and enforcement initiative from Nov. 23-27 being conducted by New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies.

Plus, the "Operation Hang Up" initiative, which targets distracted drivers, will utilize Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement patrol vehicles to better locate drivers talking or texting on hand held devices.

"Our goal during this week of heavy travel is to make sure that everyone who shares the road gets to their destination safely," said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner and Acting GTSC Chair Terri Egan. "I thank our law enforcement partners for participating in this vitally important traffic safety initiative, as well as our own investigators for their continued diligence in preventing underage drinking across New York."

The underage drinking and fake ID crackdowns across New York during Thanksgiving week are through the DMV's Operation Prevent initiative, a year-round effort that targets popular underage drinking establishments, concerts, bars and events.

During an Operation Prevent sweep, DMV investigators work with local businesses and law enforcement to check identification documents. Patrons under the age of 21 found to be using fake IDs or false documents with the intent of purchasing alcohol can be arrested and have their license revoked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year.

Operation Prevent investigations are funded by GTSC to deter underage drinking and keep New York's roadways safe. DMV also conducts operations at the request of bar owners, law enforcement, and the State Liquor Authority in larger cities and college towns.

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently announced that DMV investigators arrested 411 people for underage drinking and confiscated 437 fake identification documents during the summer concert season.

In addition, DMV investigators began conducting coordinated sweeps in college towns in August.
The New York State Police, GTSC and NHTSA recommend these simple tips to prevent drunk driving:

• Plan a safe way home before the fun begins;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
• Use your community's sober ride program;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement;
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.