Those taking to the roads this long weekend can expect to see police out in force in New South Wales to ensure the safety of all road users.
Operation Labour Day 2025 commences at 12.01am on Friday 3 October 2025 and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday 6 October 2025.
Officers will be targeting drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, speeding and seat belt and helmet offences, with double demerits in place for the duration of the operation.
Operation Labour Day will be led by officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command with the assistance of general duties and specialist police from all police commands and districts across the state.
Since Wednesday 1 January 2025, 271 people have died in crashes on NSW roads – 192 of those in regional areas.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, has urged drivers to take extra care on the roads this long weekend as the state heads into one of the most anticipated times of the year.
"As we welcome in one of the best times of the year, we're pleading with drivers to be careful on the roads," Minister Catley said.
"No one can afford the price of a split-second decision gone wrong. It could mean years behind bars, the loss of a loved one or losing your own life. It's simply not worth it.
"Make the right decision, one that gets you and your family to and from your destination safely and you'll make it a weekend to remember for all the right reasons.
"While many of us spend the long weekend with our families, police officers are on the roads pulling over dangerous drivers, responding to crashes and delivering heartbreaking news. Their work saves lives and we thank them."
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver APM said the aim this weekend is to ensure all road users get to their destinations safely.
"New South Wales Police Force is committed to ensuring our roads are safe, and we need everyone to do their part," Assistant Commissioner Driver said.
"You can expect to see officers anywhere, anytime on the road to deter any dangerous behaviour that impacts the safety of road users.
"This means not driving while you are tired, taking breaks on long trips, driving to the conditions and not getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking alcohol, have taken illicit drugs or are impaired in any way.
"All road users need to be constantly aware of the ever-changing circumstances they find themselves in.
"Being distracted includes simply not concentrating on what you are doing, whether it be driving, riding or crossing the road.
"When it comes down to it, we are responsible for our behaviour behind the wheel, and we urge all road users to do the right thing – it could save your life."
Transport for NSW Executive Director of Transport Safety, Chadi Chalhoub said everyone on the road has a responsibility to obey the rules and make safe decisions to ensure everyone has a safe long weekend.
"Every decision you make behind the wheel can be the difference between someone reaching their destination safely or tragically never returning home and no one should lose a loved one because someone didn't follow the road rules," Mr Chalhoub said.
"There are simple things everyone can do to help make our roads safer. That includes staying under the speed limit and driving to the conditions, wearing a seatbelt, never driving when tired, not using a mobile phone while driving, having a Plan B before drinking and never, ever driving if affected by drugs or alcohol.
"Fans attending the NRL Grand Final on Sunday are encouraged to take public transport as travel is included with match tickets. However, if you must drive you must pre-book parking before and are reminded to allow extra travel time, be patient and drive safely as the roads are expected to be busy."
Plan your trip by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting livetraffic.com, calling 132 701, or using the TfNSW journey planning tool myjourneynsw.info.
Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
