California Highway Patrol Enhances DUI Enforcement for New Year

California Highway Patrol DUI enforcement during New Year's Eve

San Diego, December 30, 2025

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is intensifying DUI patrols across the state to enhance road safety during the New Year’s holiday. Starting at 6 p.m. on December 31, additional officers will monitor for impaired driving and reckless behavior. The initiative aims to minimize accidents and fatalities during the festive season. Last year, CHP made 481 DUI arrests and emphasized the need for responsible driving. In San Diego, free rides and expanded public transportation services will be available to support this effort.

California Highway Patrol’s New Year DUI Enforcement Enhances Safety

San Diego, California – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is intensifying efforts to ensure road safety during the New Year’s holiday by implementing additional DUI patrols starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. This heightened enforcement will continue through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026, across the state.

Increased Enforcement Measures

CHP officers will be actively monitoring for signs of alcohol or marijuana impairment, as well as reckless driving behaviors. The initiative aims to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road, thereby decreasing the risk of accidents and fatalities during the holiday period.

Historical Context

During the previous year’s New Year’s enforcement period, CHP officers made 481 DUI arrests statewide. Additionally, there were 9,951 citations issued and 14,337 enforcement actions taken. Tragically, three people lost their lives in crashes during this 30-hour period. These statistics underscore the ongoing challenges in promoting safe driving behaviors during holiday celebrations.

Public Safety Reminders

CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee emphasized the importance of responsible driving, stating that impaired driving increases the risks on the roads, raises the chance of a crash, and puts lives in danger. The CHP encourages everyone to plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using ride-share services or public transportation, and reporting suspected drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1. These measures are crucial in maintaining safety for all road users during the festive season.

Local Initiatives in San Diego

In San Diego, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is supporting the CHP’s efforts by offering free rides and expanded service on trolley and bus lines after 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, and into the early morning hours of Thursday, January 1. This initiative provides residents and visitors with convenient and safe transportation options to prevent impaired driving.

Conclusion

The CHP’s enhanced DUI patrols and the collaborative efforts with local transit agencies aim to create a safer environment for all travelers during the New Year’s holiday. By adhering to traffic laws and making responsible choices, drivers can contribute to reducing the number of impaired drivers on the road and help prevent potential accidents and fatalities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the duration of the CHP’s enhanced DUI enforcement period?

The CHP’s enhanced DUI enforcement period begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

What specific behaviors are CHP officers monitoring during this period?

CHP officers are actively monitoring for signs of alcohol or marijuana impairment, as well as reckless driving behaviors, to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road.

How many DUI arrests were made during the previous year’s New Year’s enforcement period?

During the previous year’s New Year’s enforcement period, CHP officers made 481 DUI arrests statewide.

What transportation options are available in San Diego to support the CHP’s efforts?

In San Diego, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is offering free rides and expanded service on trolley and bus lines after 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, and into the early morning hours of Thursday, January 1, providing safe transportation options to prevent impaired driving.

How can the public contribute to road safety during the holiday season?

The public can contribute to road safety by designating a sober driver, using ride-share services or public transportation, and reporting suspected drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1.

Key Features of the CHP’s Enhanced DUI Enforcement Period

Feature Details
Enforcement Period 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, to 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026
Focus Areas Impaired driving (alcohol and marijuana), reckless driving behaviors
Previous Year’s DUI Arrests 481 DUI arrests statewide
San Diego Support Metropolitan Transit System offering free rides and expanded service after 6 p.m. on December 31, 2025
Public Safety Reminders Designate a sober driver, use ride-share services or public transportation, report suspected drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1

Now Happening on X

  • @nbcsandiego (December 29, 2025, 3:41 PM) A man is in custody after his wife was found dead in a Bay Park home, with police also searching for a robbery suspect at a Subway in Lincoln Park. View on X
  • @TBOSD8 (December 29, 2025, 3:25 AM) San Diego Police used pepper balls to take a driver into custody following a vehicle pursuit that turned into a standoff in Pacific Beach, causing major police presence. View on X
  • @619SDLD (December 29, 2025, 10:09 AM) Top stories of 2025 in San Diego include ongoing homelessness issues, community college fraud involving AI bots, successful housing initiatives, and declining public school enrollment. View on X
  • @sdcta (December 27, 2025, 3:22 PM) San Diego faces budget shortfalls in 2025, with the city, county, and major agencies like the San Diego County Water Authority dealing with financial problems affecting taxpayers. View on X
  • @MxBajanews (December 24, 2025, 11:56 PM) A 75-foot tree fell in City Heights, claiming the life of a pedestrian on Marlborough Avenue despite immediate emergency response. View on X
  • @CBS8 (December 24, 2025, 1:25 AM) San Diego is preparing for heavy rain with swiftwater rescue teams and sandbags available to protect residents from potential flooding. View on X
  • @nbcsandiego (December 24, 2025, 11:30 PM) A storm is bringing rain, wind, and flooding to San Diego, while four members of an anti-government group face terrorism charges and a local amputee survivor advocates for policy changes. View on X

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

San Diego Police Introduce On-Site Drug Testing for Drivers
San Diego Police Investigate Armed Robbery at Subway
Bandit Manchot Machine Simple Pot-Pourri _ France Grab Your Bonus
CHP Launches Holiday Enforcement to Promote Safe Driving
San Diego County Operation Rescues 19 Victims from Sex Trafficking
San Diego Sheriff’s Crime Lab Receives Grant to Combat Impaired Driving
Skateboarding Legend Tony Hawk Surprises Audiences in Nutcracker
San Diego State Aztecs Dominate Whittier Poets
Man Ordered to Stand Trial for Mother’s Murder in Vista
Reward Offered for Information on Unsolved Shooting Case

STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER

The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

Advertising Opportunity:

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!