With thousands of Georgians expected to travel for the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is warning motorists to expect increased enforcement on highways and secondary roads across the state.

The official 78-hour Labor Day travel period begins Friday, September 4, at 6 PM and continues through 11:59 PM Monday, September 7.

Georgia State Patrol troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers will conduct high-visibility patrols throughout the holiday weekend, with particular attention being given to impaired driving, speeding, seatbelt violations, distracted driving and other dangerous driving behavior.

Last Year’s Holiday Weekend Saw 15 Traffic Deaths

DPS officials say last year’s Labor Day weekend demonstrates the dangers associated with heavy holiday traffic.

During the 2025 Labor Day travel period, Georgia State Patrol troopers investigated 359 crashes that resulted in 238 injuries and 10 deaths.

When crashes investigated by local law enforcement agencies are included, 15 people were killed on Georgia roads during the holiday weekend.

Troopers also made 435 DUI arrests during the 2025 Labor Day travel period.

Georgia DPS Commissioner Colonel William W. Hitchens III said motorists should make safety their priority by wearing seatbelts, obeying speed limits, eliminating distractions and arranging for a sober driver when alcohol is involved.

When Will Traffic Be The Worst?

DPS is also providing motorists with estimates from INRIX showing when holiday traffic is expected to be heaviest.

Drivers planning to leave Thursday, September 3, should try to travel before 1 PM, with the heaviest traffic expected between 2 and 7 PM.

On Friday, September 4, motorists are encouraged to travel before noon. The worst congestion is expected between noon and 8 PM.

Saturday travelers should consider getting an early start. Traffic is expected to be lightest before 10 AM, with the busiest period between 1 and 5 PM.

Minimal holiday traffic impact is expected Sunday.

For the return trip on Labor Day Monday, traveling before noon is recommended. The heaviest traffic is expected between 2 and 5 PM.

Troopers Remind Drivers To Slow Down And Pay Attention

DPS is reminding motorists to make sure everyone in their vehicle is properly restrained, avoid driving after consuming alcohol, obey posted speed limits and put phones and other distractions away.

Drivers should also maintain adequate following distance, particularly in heavy traffic, and use extra caution around tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles.

Motorists are encouraged to allow additional time to reach their destination rather than attempting to make up time by speeding or making unsafe lane changes.

Anyone encountering an emergency or crash should call 911. Motorists who observe an impaired or reckless driver can call *GSP.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety will provide updated holiday traffic enforcement numbers throughout the Labor Day weekend.