As high school graduation season approaches, the New York State Police, in coordination with law enforcement agencies statewide, will conduct a week-long traffic safety initiative aimed at preventing teen driving tragedies.
The “No Empty Chair” campaign will run Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25, 2025, and focuses on raising awareness and enforcing laws to help keep young drivers safe.
Each year, communities across New York suffer the heartbreaking loss of high school students in traffic crashes just before graduation. The campaign, launched by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) in 2014, serves as a solemn reminder of those lives lost. The “empty chair” symbolizes a student missing from graduation day.
This year, the State Police and partner agencies will conduct targeted enforcement efforts to reduce dangerous driving behaviors and save lives. Each day will focus on a specific traffic safety violation, in addition to enforcing all other vehicle and traffic laws.
Daily Enforcement Focus:
Monday, April 21: Speeding in school zones
Tuesday, April 22: Seat belt and child restraint violations
Wednesday, April 23: Cell phone use and texting while driving
Thursday, April 24: Operation Safe Stop (promoting school bus safety)
Friday, April 25: Underage drinking and impaired driving
Troopers will be using both marked and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles. CITE vehicles blend into everyday traffic, making it easier for Troopers to identify violations such as texting while driving. Once emergency lighting is activated, these vehicles are clearly recognizable as law enforcement.
Traffic Violation Point Penalties (if convicted):
Speeding:
Speed not indicated: 3 points
1–10 MPH over limit: 3 points
11–20 MPH over limit: 4 points
21–30 MPH over limit: 6 points
31–40 MPH over limit: 8 points
Over 40 MPH: 11 points
Improper cell phone use: 5 points
No seat belt (under age 16): 3 points
Child safety seat violations: 3 points
The State Police encourage parents, educators, and communities to talk with teens about safe driving habits. Together, we can help ensure there are no empty chairs on graduation day.