Several police departments in Hunterdon, Morris and Sussex counties receive funding for ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign
NORTHWEST, N.J. — Several police departments in Hunterdon, Morris and Sussex counties have received state funding for increased impaired-driving enforcement as New Jersey launches its annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety announced Wednesday that the campaign will run from Aug. 19 through Sept. 7.
The Division of Highway Traffic Safety awarded $511,580 to 106 local law enforcement agencies statewide and another $191,153 to the New Jersey State Police to support additional impaired-driving enforcement.
Among the recipients are 10 police departments in Hunterdon County, five in Morris County and one in Sussex County.
Drivers can expect increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints during the statewide campaign, which is part of a nationwide effort to identify and remove drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs from the roads.
“A celebration should never end with someone taking a chance behind the wheel,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Impaired drivers put our children, passengers, families, pedestrians, cyclists, police officers, and everyone else using our roads in danger. Make the responsible decision before the festivities begin. Arrange a sober ride, designate a driver, or stay where you are. There is never an acceptable reason to drive impaired.”
Hunterdon County
Ten police departments in Hunterdon County received funding:
- Clinton Town — $1,120
- Clinton Township — $5,600
- Flemington — $2,800
- Franklin — $1,120
- Frenchtown — $2,800
- Holland — $1,050
- Lebanon — $980
- Readington — $1,680
- Tewksbury — $2,100
- West Amwell — $2,100
Morris County
Five Morris County police departments received funding:
- Chester Township — $7,000
- Dover — $7,000
- Jefferson — $7,000
- Parsippany-Troy Hills — $7,000
- Riverdale — $7,000
Sussex County
Sparta was the only Sussex County police department listed among the grant recipients and received $7,000.
For a full list of law enforcement agencies receiving funding through the 2026 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, click here.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,367 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes nationwide in 2024, accounting for about 20% of all traffic fatalities.
In New Jersey, 186 people were killed in crashes involving an alcohol- or drug-impaired driver in 2024. Impaired driving was a contributing factor in about 27% of the state’s fatal crashes that year, according to state officials.
Officials noted that impairment can also result from cannabis, certain prescription medications, illegal drugs and combinations of substances, which can affect judgment, coordination and reaction time.
“Impairment affects judgment before many drivers recognize that they are no longer capable of driving safely,” said Michael J. Rizol Jr., Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “That is why the safest decision must be made in advance. Plan your ride home before drinking or using any impairing substance. A rideshare, taxi, sober friend, or overnight stay may require a little planning, but those choices are far better than an arrest, a crash, or a life permanently changed.”
During New Jersey’s 2025 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, participating law enforcement agencies made 1,612 impaired-driving arrests and issued 6,228 speeding summonses, 3,192 seat belt citations and 1,526 cellphone-use citations. Officers also issued 88,599 summonses for other motor vehicle violations.
The Division of Highway Traffic Safety is urging people to arrange a safe ride before drinking or using an impairing substance, never ride with or allow an impaired person to drive and report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911 when it is safe to do so.
“Preventing impaired-driving tragedies is a responsibility we all share,” said Director Rizol. “Law enforcement will be highly visible throughout the mobilization, but every driver, passenger, friend, and family member also has a role to play. Make a plan, drive sober, and help others get home safely.”
