DUI Checkpoints in Amador County, CA

CityLocationDate
JacksonJackson Gate Rd and N Main StNew Year's Eve Dec 2024
JacksonHighway 49 near BroadwayNew Year's Eve Dec 2024
Sutter CreekOld Highway 49 near Gopher Flat RoadJuly 4, 2024
JacksonCa-49 and Ca-886 P.M. to 11 P.M. Friday Dec 15, 2023
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Amador County, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, is known for its charming towns like Jackson, Sutter Creek, and Ione. With popular wine regions, scenic routes, and events that draw both locals and tourists, traffic increases—especially on weekends and holidays. Main highways like Highway 49, Highway 88, and Highway 104 make the area a key travel zone.

In 2024, Amador County saw over 80 DUI-related crashes, which led to 3 deaths and about 40 injuries. That’s why law enforcement here has been stepping up DUI checkpoints and roving patrols to help stop impaired drivers before tragedy strikes.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common DUI checkpoint spots across Amador County, based on recent enforcement data from 2024:

Jackson DUI Checkpoints

Highway 49 near Broadway

  • Location: Hwy 49 & Broadway

  • Agency: Jackson Police Department

  • Details: One of the most active checkpoint areas, especially during local events. Typically runs from 6 PM to midnight.

Sutter Creek DUI Checkpoints

Old Highway 49 near Gopher Flat Road

  • Location: Old Hwy 49 & Gopher Flat Rd

  • Agency: Sutter Creek Police Department

  • Details: Common checkpoint during wine festivals and tourist season. Usually active on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 PM to 11 PM.

Ione DUI Checkpoints

Highway 124 near Preston Avenue

  • Location: Hwy 124 & Preston Ave

  • Agency: Ione Police Department

  • Details: A known DUI enforcement zone, especially after concerts and events. Typical operation hours are 7 PM to midnight.

Plymouth DUI Checkpoints

Main Street near Shenandoah Road

  • Location: Main St & Shenandoah Rd

  • Agency: Amador County Sheriff’s Office

  • Details: Often active during wine-tasting weekends. Patrols usually happen from 5 PM to 10 PM.

Pine Grove DUI Checkpoints

Highway 88 near Ridge Road

  • Location: Hwy 88 & Ridge Rd

  • Agency: California Highway Patrol

  • Details: Checkpoints frequently set up here during the holidays. Normal times are 6 PM to 11 PM.

Pioneer DUI Checkpoints

Highway 88 near Buckhorn Ridge Road

  • Location: Hwy 88 & Buckhorn Ridge Rd

  • Agency: California Highway Patrol

  • Details: This mountainous stretch is monitored on weekends and during bad weather, from 6 PM to midnight.

Volcano DUI Checkpoints

Pine Grove-Volcano Road near Consolation Street

  • Location: Pine Grove-Volcano Rd & Consolation St

  • Agency: Amador County Sheriff’s Office

  • Details: Checkpoints pop up during community festivals and holiday weekends. Hours range from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

Buena Vista Area

Highway 88 near Coal Mine Road

  • Location: Hwy 88 & Coal Mine Rd

  • Agency: Amador County Sheriff’s Office

  • Details: Close to the casino area, checkpoints are common during major events. Active times are usually 6 PM to midnight.