Virginia State Police Boost Labor Day Patrols As Busiest Travel Days Approach

Virginia State Police will increase patrols over Labor Day weekend, particularly on the two days expected to see the heaviest holiday traffic.

Troopers will boost visibility and staffing Friday and Monday, which state police expect to be the busiest travel days of the holiday weekend.

The increased enforcement comes as traffic deaths are down in Virginia compared with last year. Preliminary data shows 480 people had died on Virginia roads through Aug. 31, down from 542 during the same period in 2025.

Still, state police pointed to the Independence Day holiday as a reminder of the risks on Virginia roads. Eighteen people died in crashes during that holiday period.

"Troopers know wearing a seatbelt, driving the speed limit, avoiding distractions, and driving sober saves lives," Lt. Col. Todd Taylor, director of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Field Operations, said. "We want drivers to do all they can to make this a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone."

Labor Day Enforcement

State police will participate in the nationwide Operation C.A.R.E. initiative, which targets impaired driving, speeding and seat belt violations.

The Labor Day enforcement period begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday and continues through midnight Monday.

During the 2025 Labor Day period, Virginia troopers responded to 767 crashes and cited 3,018 drivers for speeding and 1,370 for reckless driving. Another 62 people were charged with driving under the influence.

Troopers also issued 499 citations for seat belt violations and 116 for child restraint violations.

Money generated from Virginia State Police summonses goes toward court fees and the state's Literary Fund, which supports public school construction, technology and teacher retirement.