DUI Crackdowns in California: What to Expect This Holiday Season

November 25, 2025

Summary 

Every year, California law enforcement prepares a spike in drunk and drugged driving during the holidays. Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or the long Thanksgiving weekend, police expect higher traffic, heavier drinking, and late-night driving. And they respond with some of the toughest DUI enforcement efforts you’ll see all year. 

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has publicly shared arrest numbers that show how serious the problem is. In one recent Christmas enforcement period, CHP officers made 271 DUI arrests and reported 10 fatalities. In another New Year’s Eve surge, more than 300 DUI arrests occurred within the first 30 hours. These numbers continue to rise due to alcohol, cannabis, and mixed-substance impairment. 

If you live in California, you’re likely to encounter at least one form of heightened enforcement checkpoints, saturation patrols, or a Maximum Enforcement Period during the holiday season. Knowing what to expect can help you stay safe and avoid an arrest that could cost you thousands and impact your future. 

CHP Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP): What Drivers Should Expect 

When the MEP Begins and Ends 

CHP’s Maximum Enforcement Period typically begins around 6:01 p.m. on the eve of a major holiday and lasts through the end of the weekend. You’ll often see MEPs for: 

• Thanksgiving 

• Christmas 

• New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day 

• Fourth of July 

• Memorial Day 

• Labor Day 

During an MEP, CHP increases staffing across California highways and freeways. You’ll notice more officers on major routes like the 405, 101, I-5, I-80, and Highway 99. 

What MEP Means for Drivers 

During an MEP, officers take a zero-tolerance approach to impaired driving. Visibility isn’t the only thing that increases so do traffic stops. Officers often say they “will be out on patrol trying to find impaired drivers and put a stop to it,” and the arrest numbers each year show that they follow through. 

You may also see more media coverage, social media reminders, and public warnings from CHP and local police departments encouraging drivers to plan. 

Checkpoints, Saturation Patrols & Roadside Stops 

Where Sobriety Checkpoints Pop Up 

DUI checkpoints are common during holidays, especially in areas with nightlife or heavy traffic. Some of the most frequent regions include: 

• Los Angeles (Hollywood, DTLA, West LA) 

• Orange County (Newport Beach, Costa Mesa) 

• San Diego (Gaslamp, Pacific Beach) 

• Bay Area (San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco) 

• Inland Empire and Central Valley corridors 

Police usually publish checkpoint locations ahead of time, but they rarely provide exact intersections until a few hours before. 

What Happens at a Checkpoint 

A typical California DUI checkpoint includes: 

1. A marked lane where cars are routed. 

1. An officer who asks for your driver’s license. 

1. Quick questions such as “Where are you coming from?” 

1. A brief look at your speech, smell, and appearance. 

If anything raises concern slurred speech, confusion, odor of alcohol you may be directed to a secondary testing area where field sobriety tests or a breath test may be required. 

How Saturation Patrols Work 

Unlike stationary checkpoints, saturation patrols involve officers actively looking for signs of impaired driving such as: 

• Swerving 

• Speeding 

• Driving too slowly 

• Sudden lane changes 

These patrols tend to be highly effective during holidays because drivers often leave parties at the same time or travel long distances between events. 

What to Expect If You’re Pulled Over 

Initial Observations 

When an officer approaches your window, they’re observing: 

• The smell of alcohol or cannabis 

• Glassy or bloodshot eyes 

• Slowed or slurred speech 

• Open containers in the vehicle 

• Your ability to provide documents 

Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) 

If the officer suspects impairment, they may ask you to perform standard tests. These might include: 

• The Walk-and-Turn 

• The One-Leg Stand 

• The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test (eye test) 

Even sober drivers can struggle due to nerves, uneven pavement, or fatigue. 

Breath and Chemical Tests 

California’s implied consent laws require a chemical test after a lawful arrest. Refusing can increase penalties and lead to a longer license suspension. 

What Holiday Has the Most DUIs in California? 

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day typically lead the state in DUI arrests. Thanksgiving weekend often follows, with July 4th close behind. Christmas also generates significant arrest numbers due to workplace parties, family celebrations, and late-night travel. 

Recent reports have shown: 

• Hundreds of arrests during each holiday MEP 

• Dozens of alcohol-related crashes 

• Fatalities tied directly to impaired driving 

These numbers are why CHP, and local agencies continue to push for stronger enforcement. 

The Real Cost of a Holiday DUI in California 

A holiday DUI arrest can easily cost $15,000–$20,000 when you add up all expenses. Many drivers don’t realize how quickly the costs stack up. 

Financial Fallout 

• Court fines and penalty assessments 

• Towing and impound fees 

• Alcohol education program 

• Ignition Interlock Device (IID) 

• SR-22 insurance (often for 3 years) 

• Skyrocketing insurance premiums 

DMV Consequences 

• Possible license suspension 

• Mandatory IID installation to keep driving 

Criminal Penalties 

• Probation 

• Jail time for certain cases 

• Increased penalties for accidents or high BAC levels 

A DUI doesn’t just hit your wallet it can affect job opportunities, professional licenses, and your ability to travel. 

Tips to Avoid a DUI During the Holidays 

Here are practical steps that work: 

• Plan your transportation: Reserve a ride before events begin. 

• Use rideshares wisely: Expect surge pricing, but it’s still cheaper than a DUI. 

• Stay overnight: If the party is far from home, book a room or stay with friends. 

• Eat while drinking and pace yourself: Slow your alcohol absorption. 

• Know your limits: Don’t guess assume you’re above the legal limit if you feel buzzed. 

• If hosting: Offer non-alcoholic drinks, food, and places to sleep. 

These simple habits can prevent life-changing consequences. 

What to Do If You’re Arrested for a DUI 

If an officer places you under arrest, staying calm is essential. 

1. Be polite and avoid arguing. 

1. Do not volunteer for extra information. 

1. Ask to speak with an attorney. 

1. Request a DMV hearing within 10 days to fight your automatic suspension. 

1. Write down everything about the stop once you’re released. 

Quick action often makes the difference between a suspended license and a successful defense. 

Real Case Example: How a Holiday DUI Arrest Can Unfold 

Imagine a driver leaving a Christmas gathering in Los Angeles. They feel “buzzed but okay.” A checkpoint sits a mile from the event. The officer smells alcohol asks where they’re coming from and directs them to secondary screening. 

The driver, nervous and tired, struggles with field sobriety tests. Their preliminary breath test shows a borderline BAC. They’re arrested and released the next morning with a court date and a temporary license. 

After contacting an attorney, several issues emerge: 

• The checkpoint wasn’t marked clearly. 

• Lighting affected the FST results. 

• The breath device had calibration problems. 

The attorney challenges the stop and testing evidence, leading to a reduced charge. 

This type of scenario happens more often than people realize. 

Your Rights at a California DUI Checkpoint 

Many drivers misunderstand their rights. Here’s what the law allows: 

• You may legally turn away from a checkpoint if you do so safely and without violating traffic laws. 

• You only need to provide your license and registration. 

• You don’t have to answer questions about where you’re going or whether you drank. 

• You can refuse field sobriety tests. 

• You must take a chemical test after a lawful arrest. 

Knowing your rights protects you from unnecessary self-incrimination. 

When to Contact a California DUI Attorney 

You should get legal help immediately if: 

• You were arrested during a checkpoint 

• You refused a chemical test 

• Your BAC was high 

• A minor was in the car 

• An accident occurred 

• You hold a commercial driver’s license 

A California DUI lawyer can guide you through the DMV hearing, challenge the stop, review testing procedures, and help you pursue the best outcome. 

Final Thoughts: Stay Safe and Know Your Rights This Holiday Season 

Holiday DUI crackdowns in California are serious, and the consequences of an arrest can follow you for years. Planning, drinking responsibly, and knowing your rights can keep you and others safe. 

If you face a DUI charge this holiday season, DefendCA is here to help. Contact us for a confidential case review and experienced guidance through both the DMV and court process. 

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