The Highway Patrol's other duties and roles include accident investigations, advanced driver and radar/laser speed enforcement training for NYPD officers, field sobriety testing at the various testing locations in each Patrol Borough, dignitary and parade escorts, hazardous material and truck traffic enforcement, anti-drag racing programs, and anti-terrorist checkpoints at key bridges and intersections in the city.

[4] The Highway Patrol's origins begin in 1911 with the formation of the NYPD's first motorcycle squad, which was formed to meet the challenges of handling increasing traffic danger concomitant with the rise of automobile use.

[1] In 1933, the unit expanded to include a formally designated "Grand Central Parkway Motorcycle Squad" for patrol on a limited-access highway.

In comparison with most NYPD officers' plain slacks or cargo pants, Highway Patrol members wear tapered motorcycle breeches with a 1-inch wide light blue braided stripe combined with a 1/2-inch wide reflective white stripe, as well as a "crushed"-style version of the NYPD's eight-point cap or a two-toned motorcycle helmet.

Motorcycle or riding boots are worn whether an officer is assigned to motorcycle duty or not, excepting those assigned to Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Safety Unit details; Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Safety Unit officers wear regular black work boots or low quarters, cargo pants, jumpsuit, and nylon jacket.

The combination of the crushed cap, riding boots and the blue "distinction lace" on the Highway Patrol Uniform is in direct opposition to United States Army traditions; i.e., the uniforms worn by Highway Patrol are reminiscent of Cavalry, yet the blue is symbolic of Infantry.

The color of the "distinction lace"—also known as "piping"—was switched from a black one inch band to the current blue piping under New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton's first term, who initiated the change in order to emulate the Boston Police Department's motor unit.

The Highway Patrol vehicle fleet is primarily made up of Dodge Chargers equipped with Hemi engines and All Wheel Drive.

The main jobs for these officers are to assist disabled vehicles and to aid in traffic control responsibilities at accident scenes.

All Auxiliary Police officers are required by New York State to pass an annual refresher course in the use of force with the nightstick, arrest procedures, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).