Colorado begins longest DUI enforcement period

(COLORADO) — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is working with the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and 68 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Fall Festivals DUI enforcement period.

From Thursday, Sept. 12 to Wednesday, Oct. 23 CDOT said drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers and keeping Colorado’s roads safe.

According to CDOT, this is the longest DUI enforcement period of the year, spanning 41 days.

CDOT is offering Uber credits during the Denver Broncos’ first home game on Sunday, Sept. 15, in partnership with AAA Colorado. In 2023, there were a total of 16,561 DUI arrests in Colorado, 17.2% of which occurred in September and October, according to CDOT statistics.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol or cannabis poses significant risks to everyone on the road,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “It’s crucial to remember that impaired driving can have tragic consequences. Staying sober behind the wheel is not just a legal obligation — it’s a shared responsibility to keep our roads safe for all motorists. Make the right decision and choose a sober ride; you could save a life.”

CDOT said last year’s Fall Festivals enforcement period finished with 1,381 reported DUI arrests. However, in 2023 Colorado lost 227 lives due to impaired driving.

“Impaired driving remains a serious crime on our roads, and this heightened enforcement effort aims to prevent crashes and save lives,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Remember, impaired driving is dangerous, illegal, and always unacceptable. Planning a sober ride home is the easiest way to ensure the safety of yourself and others.”

According to CDOT and NoDUIColorado.org , a first-time DUI offender can rack up an average cost of $13,530 and a minimum of 170 hours of their time dealing with the consequences in addition to any criminal fines:

• Increased auto insurance: $3,600
• Ignition interlock service: $2,172
• Alcohol/drug treatment & education: $1,000
• Defense attorney: $3,650
• Arrest, court & legal fees: $2,300
• Department of Revenue & DMV fees: $773

CDOT said the recent Labor Day Crackdown DUI enforcement period concluded with 306 arrests across 86 participating agencies. The agencies with the highest arrests were the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) with 32 arrests, 25 arrests with the Thornton Police Department and the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office had 20 arrests.

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