DUI Checkpoints in El Dorado, CA

El Dorado County, situated between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, has a mix of mountain highways, suburban streets, and resort town traffic — all of which make it a prime area for DUI enforcement. The California Highway Patrol (CHP), local police departments (notably South Lake Tahoe Police and Placerville Police), and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office work in coordination to prevent impaired driving across the county. Below are the most common and historically monitored DUI checkpoint areas in the region.

1. Placerville – U.S. Highway 50 near Canal Street and Spring Street

• Address: Intersection of Canal St and Spring St, Placerville, CA 95667

• Enforcement: Placerville Police Department & California Highway Patrol

• This central stretch of Placerville near Highway 50 is a common DUI checkpoint zone. It’s close to downtown businesses and nightlife, making it a focal area during holidays and weekends. The CHP also conducts roving patrols along Highway 50 through Placerville’s city center.

2. Placerville – Broadway Street near Schnell School Road

• Address: 1300–1400 block of Broadway, near Schnell School Rd, Placerville, CA 95667

• Enforcement: Placerville Police Department

• Broadway is a key artery with numerous restaurants and bars along the corridor. DUI checkpoints are often set up around Schnell School Road to intercept drivers heading toward residential areas after visiting local nightlife spots.

3. South Lake Tahoe – Lake Tahoe Boulevard (US-50) near Fairway Avenue

• Address: Intersection of US-50 and Fairway Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

• Enforcement: South Lake Tahoe Police Department

• One of the busiest areas in South Lake Tahoe, especially during ski season and summer holidays. This stretch includes access to hotels, restaurants, and casinos, prompting regular DUI checkpoints. Patrols often monitor from the intersection near Safeway and the Bijou Shopping Center.

4. South Lake Tahoe – Pioneer Trail and Black Bart Avenue

• Address: Intersection of Pioneer Trail & Black Bart Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

• Enforcement: South Lake Tahoe Police Department

• Pioneer Trail serves as an alternate route to Highway 50 and is frequently used to avoid traffic — and sometimes, police visibility. As such, it’s a strategic checkpoint location, especially on weekends and major event dates.

5. Camino – Carson Road and Barkley Road

• Address: Carson Rd & Barkley Rd, Camino, CA 95709

• Enforcement: El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office & CHP Placerville

• Known for wineries and scenic drives, Camino draws many tourists. DUI checkpoints in this area often coincide with local wine-tasting festivals and apple orchard events, especially during the fall season.

6. Pollock Pines – Sly Park Road and Pony Express Trail

• Address: Sly Park Rd & Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines, CA 95726

• Enforcement: El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office

• This checkpoint location is popular during summer months when visitors head toward Jenkinson Lake and campgrounds. The Sheriff’s Office has used this road as a primary checkpoint route to monitor drivers returning from recreational areas.

7. Meyers – U.S. Route 50 and SR-89 Interchange

• Address: Near the junction of US-50 & California State Route 89, Meyers, CA 96155

• Enforcement: CHP – South Lake Tahoe Office

• Located just outside of South Lake Tahoe city limits, Meyers is a vital entry/exit point to the Tahoe Basin. The CHP frequently sets up sobriety checkpoints here, particularly on Sunday evenings when weekenders are heading back west toward Sacramento.

8. Shingle Springs – Mother Lode Drive near Shingle Springs Drive

• Address: Mother Lode Dr & Shingle Springs Dr, Shingle Springs, CA 95682

• Enforcement: El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office

• This area sees moderate nightlife and local traffic. DUI checkpoints here typically take place near local bars or during community events, including parades or fairs held nearby.