DUI Checkpoints in Colusa County, CA

 

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Colusa County, located in the heart of Northern California’s agricultural belt, is home to small, tight-knit towns like Colusa, Williams, Arbuckle, and Maxwell. Though rural, this region sees a decent flow of traffic thanks to Interstate 5, Highway 20, and Highway 45, which are frequently used by travelers, farm workers, and commercial vehicles.

In 2024, the county reported more than 50 DUI-related crashes, including 1 fatal accident and over 20 injuries. To reduce these incidents, law enforcement agencies run regular DUI checkpoints, especially during high-traffic weekends, holidays, and local events like the Colusa County Fair and harvest festivals.

These checkpoints are typically held between 6 PM and midnight and are designed to catch impaired drivers before they can harm themselves or others. Officers look for signs of intoxication, check driver’s licenses, and may conduct field sobriety tests if needed.

Here are the top DUI checkpoint locations in Colusa County with updated, more detailed info:

Colusa – 10th Street near Market Street

  • Exact Location: Right in the heart of downtown Colusa, near local shops and restaurants.

  • Agency: Colusa Police Department

  • Details: This checkpoint is usually set up in front of Market Street Park and is common during the Colusa County Fair or downtown events. The area is well-lit, which helps officers spot erratic driving or unsafe behavior. DUI checkpoints here typically operate Friday and Saturday nights from 6 PM to 11 PM. Officers check for valid licenses, signs of impairment, and vehicle compliance.

Williams – E Street near Marguerite Street

  • Exact Location: Just east of the I-5 off-ramp, near several gas stations and motels that serve travelers.

  • Agency: Williams Police Department

  • Details: This is a prime DUI checkpoint location due to its close proximity to Interstate 5, which brings in high volumes of weekend and holiday traffic. Officers set up cones and signage to guide drivers into a safe, single-lane stop. This checkpoint is frequent during three-day weekends, holidays, and festivals, and usually runs from 6 PM to midnight.

Williams – Highway 20 near Interstate 5

  • Exact Location: Just before the on-ramp heading west toward Sacramento or east toward Yuba City.

  • Agency: California Highway Patrol – Williams Area

  • Details: One of the busiest traffic zones in the county, especially during summer travel and holiday weekends. Officers here target drivers entering or exiting I-5, which is known for high-speed travel and long-distance drivers. Checkpoints are set up with bright signage, lighting, and support vehicles. Officers check for alcohol use, drug impairment, and open container violations.

Arbuckle – 5th Street near Hall Street

  • Exact Location: Right in the center of Arbuckle, near residential areas and local schools.

  • Agency: Colusa County Sheriff’s Office

  • Details: This location is usually chosen during school events or town parades, where people tend to gather and socialize. DUI checkpoints here operate from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM and involve a full team of officers checking every vehicle for signs of DUI, suspended licenses, or expired registrations.

Maxwell – Oak Street near Old Highway 99W

  • Exact Location: Located near farming areas and residential streets where locals gather for Friday night football or community events.

  • Agency: Colusa County Sheriff’s Office

  • Details: Though more rural, this checkpoint sees traffic after high school games, weekend events, and bar closings. It’s usually up and running from 6 PM to 10:30 PM. Officers use flashlights, breathalyzers, and sometimes drug recognition experts to assess impairment.

Princeton – Highway 45 near County Road 68

  • Exact Location: Near the bridge crossing over the Sacramento River, where rural roads meet the main highway.

  • Agency: California Highway Patrol

  • Details: This checkpoint is less frequent but used during holiday travel periods, especially when traffic increases near the river for boating or camping. Checkpoints here are simple but effective—officers stop every 4th or 5th vehicle, depending on traffic volume, and watch closely for DUI indicators. Typical hours: 6 PM to 10 PM.

Final Note

Even in a small county like Colusa, DUI checkpoints save lives. They’re not just about writing tickets—they’re about preventing drunk driving accidents before they happen. Officers look for impaired drivers, expired licenses, open alcohol containers, and unsafe vehicles. They also educate drivers about the dangers of drunk and drugged driving.

If you plan to drink or use cannabis, don’t drive. Use a designated driver, call a ride service, or stay put. It’s not just the law—it’s your responsibility.