DUI Checkpoints in Fresno, CA

CITY	LOCATION	DATE
Fresno	DUI Checkpoint at an undisclosed location in Fresno	Friday, September 5, 2025 From 9 PM to 4 AM
Sanger	Sanger Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint at an undisclosed location.	Wednesday, August 13, 2025 From 6 PM to 3 AM
Fresno	DUI checkpoint and patrols at an Belmont between San Pablo & Blackstone.(alcohol, marijuana, and other substances)	Friday, July 4, 2025 \| From 9:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Fresno	DUI checkpoint at E Garland Ave & N Blackstone Ave Fresno, CA 93726	Saturday, May 17, 2025 From 9 PM to 4 AM
Fresno	DUI checkpoint at E Garland Ave & N Blackstone Ave Fresno, CA 93726	Saturday, April 19, 2025 From 9 PM to 4 AM
Fresno	Saturation Patrol at an undisclosed location within the city of Fresno.	Saturday, March 8, 2025

Fresno County DUI Checkpoint Hotspots

If you’re driving through Fresno County—especially late at night or on weekends—you’ve probably seen signs for DUI checkpoints. These are not random. Law enforcement sets up checkpoints in very specific areas that are known for high traffic, nightlife, and easy access to highways. The goal is to catch impaired drivers before they cause accidents.

Let’s walk through some of the most common DUI checkpoint locations in Fresno County and explain why police often choose these exact spots. This guide is written in plain language to help you stay aware, safe, and informed.

1. Blackstone Ave & Garland Ave (Fresno)

This intersection is in southeast Fresno and is one of the top spots where DUI checkpoints happen. Why? Because it’s close to a cluster of bars, restaurants, and shopping centers, and it connects straight to Highway 99. People coming from a night out often pass through here on their way home or to the freeway. Police know this, so they regularly station checkpoints here, especially during weekends or holiday events. It’s a key location to stop impaired drivers before they get on the highway.

2. Van Ness Ave & Amador St (Downtown Fresno)

Downtown Fresno is buzzing with nightlife. There are clubs, music venues, bars, and late-night food spots all packed into this area. Van Ness and Amador is right in the heart of it. This intersection catches a lot of traffic from partygoers and event attendees. Because so many people walk, drink, and drive in this part of town, it’s a hot spot for checkpoints—especially during big events or holidays. Police use this location to monitor who’s leaving downtown and to prevent impaired driving from getting out of control.

3. Clovis Ave & Westover St (Near Fresno Airport)

This one might not seem obvious at first glance, but it makes a lot of sense. Westover St is a small street, but it runs right by Clovis Ave and connects to the area around the airport. There’s also a popular adult nightclub nearby that serves alcohol. Late at night, a lot of drivers leaving that club hit this intersection. That’s exactly why it’s a checkpoint target. Law enforcement often monitors this area to make sure people leaving the nightlife scene are not getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

4. Herndon Ave & Helm Ave (Clovis)

In Clovis, this intersection is a checkpoint favorite. Herndon Ave is a major road that cuts across town and sees tons of traffic all day long. Helm Ave is a neighborhood road that connects to many homes and residential streets. Together, they make a perfect checkpoint location. Why? Because it’s busy, close to local bars and restaurants, and gives police a way to check hundreds of drivers with minimal disruption. They’ve used this area for big checkpoint events where hundreds of vehicles passed through in just a few hours.

5. Shaw Ave & Minnewawa Ave (Clovis)

This is another Clovis intersection that regularly sees DUI checkpoints. Shaw Ave is one of the busiest streets in the Fresno-Clovis area, filled with shopping centers, food joints, and nightlife spots. Minnewawa runs through the heart of Clovis neighborhoods, meaning it’s a common path home for a lot of people. When police set up here, they’re looking for drivers coming from a night out or heading back through the main drag. It’s high-traffic and high-visibility, which makes it an ideal spot for DUI enforcement.

6. East Belmont Ave & San Pablo Ave (Near Tower District)

Anyone familiar with Fresno knows the Tower District is one of the city’s biggest nightlife hubs. It’s packed with bars, breweries, music venues, and restaurants. It also draws big crowds on weekends and holidays. A lot of people drink here, which unfortunately means a higher chance of impaired driving. The nearby intersection of Belmont and San Pablo is frequently used for checkpoints, especially around New Year’s Eve and other big events. It lets police screen drivers leaving the area without jamming up traffic in the center of the Tower.

7. Brawley Ave & Clinton Ave (North Fresno)

This intersection is close to residential areas, local bars, and just off an on-ramp to Highway 99. That combination makes it a favorite for DUI checkpoints. It gives officers a chance to catch people heading toward the freeway or cutting through from nearby nightlife spots. It also connects to other major streets, so drivers from different directions can be stopped and screened. It’s a strategic location where law enforcement can monitor many types of traffic all at once.

Who Runs These DUI Checkpoints in Fresno County?

Several law enforcement agencies are involved in DUI enforcement across the region. Here’s a quick breakdown of who handles what:

Fresno Police Department: This is the main agency responsible for checkpoints in the city of Fresno. They cover everything from downtown to the outskirts and regularly announce checkpoint locations and times.
Clovis Police Department: They take care of the city of Clovis and are very active in DUI enforcement. Many checkpoints in Clovis are set up by this department, especially on Shaw and Herndon Avenues.
Fresno County Sheriff’s Office: These officers handle unincorporated areas in Fresno County, which are places outside of official city limits. They also work with other agencies on joint DUI enforcement efforts.
California Highway Patrol (CHP): CHP focuses on the highways—like Highway 99, Highway 41, and Highway 180. They set up checkpoints on or near major roads and also do roving DUI patrols, especially on weekends and holidays.
Other Local Police Departments: Smaller towns like Selma, Sanger, and Kingsburg have their own police forces that occasionally run DUI checkpoints. Even campus police at Fresno State get involved in certain operations near college areas.

Why These Locations?

Every checkpoint location is carefully chosen based on data. Law enforcement looks at where DUI crashes have happened in the past, where bars and clubs are located, and which roads connect people to major freeways. It’s all about prevention. The idea is to stop drunk or drug-impaired drivers before they cause a crash.

Busy intersections near nightlife, highways, and neighborhoods get the most attention because they carry a mix of traffic that could include impaired drivers. These checkpoints are often announced in advance, but not always. So if you’re going out for drinks, don’t assume you’ll know where they are.

What to Expect at a DUI Checkpoint

If you come up to a DUI checkpoint, here’s how it usually goes:

You’ll be asked to stop.
Officers will ask for your license and registration.
They may ask a few quick questions and look for signs of impairment.
If everything checks out, you’ll be sent on your way in seconds.
If there’s suspicion of DUI, you might be asked to pull over for further testing.

The whole process is usually fast and respectful—unless you’re impaired, in which case you could face arrest, towing, and serious legal trouble.