Memorial Day Weekend is one of America’s most anticipated holidays — a time to honor fallen heroes, enjoy time with family, and officially kick off the summer season. But for law enforcement, it also signals a high-risk period for impaired driving incidents. To combat this, agencies across California and the U.S. will set up DUI checkpoints and increase saturation patrols.
Whether you’re headed to the beach, mountains, or backyard barbecue, understanding how DUI checkpoints work — and how to protect yourself — is essential for a safe holiday.
What Are DUI Checkpoints?
DUI checkpoints (sobriety checkpoints) are temporary roadblocks where police officers systematically stop vehicles to detect impaired drivers. These checkpoints are legal in California and are guided by specific rules to comply with constitutional protections like the Fourth Amendment.
Checkpoints are most common during holiday weekends such as:
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Memorial Day
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Fourth of July
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Labor Day
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New Year’s Eve
Where to Find Memorial Day DUI Checkpoints
Use DUIBlock.net
To find the most recent and upcoming DUI checkpoints near you, visit:
DUIBlock.net – DUI Checkpoint Finder
This site provides live updates on checkpoint locations by city, county, and state — particularly useful for high-enforcement weekends like Memorial Day.
Upcoming DUI Checkpoints – Memorial Day Weekend 2025
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DUI Saturation Patrol – North Hollywood Area
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(Police will be patrolling across the general North Hollywood neighborhood, including major streets like Lankershim Blvd, Magnolia Blvd, and Burbank Blvd.) -
DUI/DL Checkpoint – Figueroa Street & 60th Street
6001 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90003
(This checkpoint is in South LA, near the Vermont Square area. Expect stops in all directions.) -
DUI Roadblock – Vermont Avenue & 2nd Street
201 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004
(Located near Koreatown, just west of Downtown LA. Officers will be checking drivers traveling through this busy intersection.) -
DUI Checkpoint / Roadblock – Lincoln Boulevard & Maxella Avenue
13450 Maxella Ave, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
(Right near the Villa Marina Marketplace Mall and close to Venice Beach. This is a high-traffic area with heavy weekend activity.) -
DUI Saturation Patrol – Hollenbeck Area
Hollenbeck Division – 2111 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
(Covers areas like Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, and El Sereno. Police will be mobile throughout the division, not at one set location.)
California – Imperial County (El Centro)
Location: Dogwood Rd & Danenberg Dr
Date & Time: Saturday, May 25, 2025 | 6 PM – 2 AM
West Virginia – Berkeley County (Martinsburg)
Location 1: U.S. Route 11 (Winchester Ave), just north of Evans Run Dr
Location 2: 7400 block of U.S. Route 11 (Winchester Ave)
Date & Time: Friday, May 24, 2025 | 6 PM – Midnight
California – San Diego County (Poway)
Location: Undisclosed spot within the city of Poway
Date & Time: Friday, May 23, 2025 | 8 PM – 2 AM
California – Riverside County (Jurupa Valley)
Location: Undisclosed location
Date & Time: Friday, May 23, 2025 | 10 PM – 2 AM
California – Orange County (Huntington Beach)
Location: Undisclosed location within Huntington Beach city limits (conducted by HBPD)
Date & Time: Friday, May 23, 2025 | 6 PM – 2 AM
West Virginia – Mercer County (Princeton)
Location: Oakvale Rd in the Princeton area
Date & Time: Friday, May 23, 2025 | 8 PM – 4 AM
Alabama – Madison County (Huntsville)
Locations Include:
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Jordan Ln & Sparkman Dr
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Mastin Lake Rd & Pulaski Pike
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Bankhead Pkwy & Douglas Ln
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Cecil Ashburn Dr & Old Big Cove Rd
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Church St & Pratt Ave
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Clinton Ave & Monroe St
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University Dr & Old Monrovia Rd
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University Dr & Research Park Blvd
Date & Time: May 23–25, 2025 (Memorial Day Weekend – Times May Vary)
South Carolina – Dorchester County (Summerville)
Locations: West Carolina Ave, South Main St, and Brighton Park Dr (with extra patrols)
Date & Time: Friday, May 23, 2025 | 6 PM – 2 AM
West Virginia – Raleigh County (Beckley)
Location: U.S. Route 19 in Beckley
Date & Time: Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 6 PM – Midnight
California – Kern County (McFarland)
Location: Intersection of Mast Ave & Nill Ave
Date & Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 6 PM – 2 AM
Please Click Here for more checkpoints:
LAPD Newsroom
If you’re in the Los Angeles area, the LAPD Newsroom often posts press releases detailing:
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Upcoming checkpoint locations
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Dates and times
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Enforcement efforts by LAPD and California Highway Patrol (CHP)
Other useful sources:
Are DUI Checkpoints Legal?
Yes, DUI checkpoints are fully legal in California if properly conducted. The authority comes from:
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Vehicle Code § 2814.2 – Requires motorists to stop when directed at a lawful sobriety checkpoint.
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Ingersoll v. Palmer (1987) – California Supreme Court ruling that DUI checkpoints are legal if they meet specific guidelines.
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*U.S. Supreme Court decision in Michigan v. Sitz (1990) – Affirmed that sobriety checkpoints do not violate the Fourth Amendment when conducted lawfully.
To dive deeper into the constitutional debate, check out this breakdown from HG.org: Do DUI Checkpoints Violate the Fourth Amendment?
What Happens at a Checkpoint?
If you encounter a DUI checkpoint this Memorial Day Weekend, here’s what to expect:
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Initial Stop: Officers will ask for your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
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Observation: Officers will briefly assess your demeanor, speech, and behavior.
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Testing: If impairment is suspected, they may administer field sobriety tests (FSTs explained here).
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Arrest: If probable cause is found, you may be arrested for DUI and required to submit to a chemical test (breath or blood) under Vehicle Code § 23612 – Implied Consent
Know Your Rights at a DUI Checkpoint
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You must stop if directed by law enforcement.
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You are not required to answer questions like “Have you been drinking?”
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You may politely decline field sobriety tests before arrest.
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You may record the interaction, provided you don’t interfere.
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You may turn around to avoid a checkpoint, but only if done legally without violating traffic laws.
Refusing to comply with a lawful stop can result in penalties under California Vehicle Code § 2814.2.
Penalties for DUI in California
Getting arrested for DUI during a holiday weekend can result in serious consequences:
| First Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| Fine | $390–$1,000 + penalty assessments |
| Jail | 48 hours to 6 months |
| License Suspension | 6 months |
| DUI School | 3 to 9 months |
| Ignition Interlock Device | Possible |
If the DUI causes injury or death, it can be charged as a felony under Vehicle Code § 23153.
Memorial Day Weekend Safety Tips
✅ Plan Ahead
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Assign a designated driver
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Use Uber, Lyft, or taxis
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Book a nearby hotel if drinking is part of your plan
✅ Stay Informed
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Check DUIBlock.net for checkpoint alerts
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Follow LAPD Newsroom for official notices
✅ Avoid Risky Driving
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Obey all traffic laws, even if you avoid a checkpoint
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Don’t drive while fatigued or under the influence of marijuana or prescription meds
✅ Know What to Do if Stopped
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Be respectful and comply with officer instructions
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Provide documentation without fumbling or confusion
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Record the interaction if you feel unsafe
Trusted Resources
Here’s a list of reliable links you can visit for more information about DUI enforcement and your legal rights:
Final Word
This Memorial Day Weekend, remember: one bad decision can change your life and endanger others. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, heading out on a road trip, or spending time with friends, do not drink and drive.
Stay safe, stay smart, and stay informed — and use tools like DUIBlock.net and LAPD Newsroom to check for checkpoints and protect yourself legally.
