San Diego, February 8, 2026
In preparation for Super Bowl Sunday, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is ramping up DUI patrols starting at 3 p.m. on February 8, continuing through the early hours of February 9. This initiative is aimed at ensuring road safety and reducing the incidence of impaired driving, which has been a concern during previous events. Residents are advised to plan transportation in advance to promote responsible behavior during the festivities.
San Diego Sheriff’s Office Increases DUI Patrols for Super Bowl Sunday
San Diego, CA – In preparation for Super Bowl Sunday, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has announced enhanced DUI patrols to ensure road safety during the festivities. Starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, deputies will be actively monitoring roadways for impaired drivers, with operations continuing through 5 a.m. the following day. This initiative aims to reduce the number of impaired driving incidents, which have been a concern in previous years.
Details of the Enhanced DUI Patrols
The Sheriff’s Office is intensifying its efforts to keep San Diego’s roads safe during Super Bowl Sunday. The increased patrols will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, and continue through 5 a.m. on Monday, February 9. Deputies will be vigilant in identifying and apprehending impaired drivers to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. This proactive approach is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing commitment to reducing impaired driving incidents in the region.
Statistics from Previous Years
In 2025, law enforcement agencies in San Diego County arrested 7,394 individuals for impaired driving. Of these, the Sheriff’s Office was responsible for 1,194 arrests. On Super Bowl Sunday of that year, 32 people were arrested for impaired driving countywide, with two of those arrests made by Sheriff’s Deputies. These statistics highlight the importance of increased enforcement during major events like the Super Bowl to deter impaired driving.
Safety Tips for Super Bowl Sunday
The Sheriff’s Office has provided the following recommendations to ensure a safe Super Bowl Sunday:
- Plan a Safe Way Home: Arrange transportation before the game begins to avoid the temptation of driving under the influence.
- Designate a Sober Driver: Choose a responsible individual to drive if you plan to consume alcohol.
- Use Alternative Transportation: Utilize taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transportation if you are impaired.
- Report Impaired Drivers: If you encounter a driver who appears to be under the influence, call 9-1-1 immediately.
It’s important to note that impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and marijuana can also impair driving abilities, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances. An impaired driving arrest and conviction can cost more than $15,000 in legal and court fees, underscoring the financial and personal consequences of such offenses.
Funding and Support
The funding for the Super Bowl impaired driving enforcement program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This support enables the Sheriff’s Office to conduct these enhanced patrols and continue their efforts in promoting road safety during major events.
Background on DUI Enforcement in San Diego
Impaired driving has been a persistent issue in San Diego County, particularly during major events like the Super Bowl. The Sheriff’s Office has consistently increased patrols during these times to deter impaired driving and reduce the number of related accidents. Previous initiatives have included DUI checkpoints and high-visibility enforcement operations targeting dangerous driver behaviors. The ongoing support from the California Office of Traffic Safety and NHTSA has been instrumental in funding these programs, allowing for a sustained focus on road safety in the region.
Conclusion
As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of all road users. By increasing DUI patrols and providing the public with essential safety information, they aim to prevent impaired driving incidents and promote responsible behavior during the festivities. Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, designate sober drivers, and utilize alternative transportation options to contribute to a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl Sunday.
FAQ
What are the increased DUI patrols in San Diego for Super Bowl Sunday?
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is enhancing DUI patrols starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, continuing through 5 a.m. on Monday, February 9, to monitor and apprehend impaired drivers during Super Bowl Sunday.
How many people were arrested for impaired driving in San Diego County in 2025?
In 2025, law enforcement agencies in San Diego County arrested 7,394 individuals for impaired driving, with the Sheriff’s Office making 1,194 of those arrests.
What are the safety tips provided by the Sheriff’s Office for Super Bowl Sunday?
The Sheriff’s Office recommends planning a safe way home before the game begins, designating a sober driver, using alternative transportation if impaired, and reporting impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1.
What substances can impair driving abilities?
Impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol; prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and marijuana can also impair driving abilities, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances.
Who funds the Super Bowl impaired driving enforcement program?
The program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Enhanced DUI Patrols | Increased monitoring of roadways starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, through 5 a.m. on Monday, February 9, to apprehend impaired drivers during Super Bowl Sunday. |
| Impaired Driving Statistics | In 2025, 7,394 individuals were arrested for impaired driving in San Diego County, with the Sheriff’s Office making 1,194 of those arrests. |
| Safety Recommendations | Plan a safe way home, designate a sober driver, use alternative transportation if impaired, and report impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1. |
| Funding Source | Program funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). |
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