New York troopers disguised as road workers during Thruway detail resulting in 101 citations

Troopers issued more than 100 citations as part of a traffic enforcement detail on the New York State Thruway this week.

On June 9, 2026, New York State Police (NYSP) conducted an “Operation Hardhat” detail along the New York State Thruway.

The ten-hour traffic operation took place in active work zones in the towns of Cheektowaga, Hamburg, and West Seneca.

As part of Operation Hardhat, troopers were disguised as road workers in order to identify driving violations. After spotting a violation, the disguised troopers communicated to uniformed troopers for enforcement action.

The detail resulted in the issuance of 101 citations for violations including:

• 70 — Speeding
• 12 — Seatbelt violations
• 1 — Move Over Law violations
• 1 — Cell phone/electronic device use
• 17 — Other vehicle and traffic law violations

Ten percent of the drivers ticketed for speeding were traveling at least 20 m.p.h. over the posted work zone speed limit, NYSP said.