DUI Checkpoints in Napa County, CA
| City | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Calistoga | DUI/DL Checkpoint at an undisclosed location. | Saturday, September 13, 2025, From 6 to 1 AM |
| Napa | DUI Checkpoint at an undisclosed location in the City of Napa. | Saturday, September 6, 2025 From 6 PM to 2 AM |
| Napa | Confirmed by DUIBlock.net: A DUI checkpoint will be conducted at an undisclosed location in the City of Napa, organized by the Napa County Probation Department, California Highway Patrol, and the Napa County Sheriff’s Department. DUIBlock.net reports that this operation is part of ongoing efforts to reduce impaired driving incidents in the area. | Saturday, June 21, 2025 From 6 PM to 2 AM |
Napa County, best known for its world-famous wineries and scenic drives, has a steady mix of local residents, commuters, and wine country traffic. Cities like Napa, American Canyon, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga sit along busy routes like Highway 29, Highway 121, and Silverado Trail—making DUI enforcement a must.
Even in a place known for sipping fine wine, driving under the influence is a serious offense. In 2024, Napa County recorded over 85 DUI-related crashes, including 5 fatal incidents. That’s why law enforcement ramps up DUI checkpoints around weekends, wine events, and holiday traffic peaks.
Napa – Jefferson Street near Old Sonoma Road
Exact Location: Near Napa High School and residential neighborhoods.
Agency: Napa Police Department
Details: This checkpoint is often active on Friday nights and during local events. With steady traffic coming in and out of town, officers here run from 6 PM to midnight, checking for impaired drivers, open containers, and suspended licenses.
Napa – Highway 29 near Imola Avenue
Exact Location: Busy junction connecting Napa to American Canyon and Vallejo.
Agency: California Highway Patrol – Napa Area
Details: This is a frequent DUI checkpoint location due to heavy weekend and wine tourism traffic. Officers set up bright lights and signage, stopping every few vehicles between 6 PM and midnight to screen for alcohol, cannabis use, or other signs of impairment.
American Canyon – Highway 29 near American Canyon Road
Exact Location: Near shopping centers and restaurants.
Agency: American Canyon Police Department
Details: Checkpoints here are common during holiday weekends and late-night hours. Officers focus on traffic leaving local bars and wineries, checking from 6 PM to 11 PM. Drivers are screened for DUIs, license validity, and vehicle compliance.
St. Helena – Main Street near Adams Street
Exact Location: In the heart of downtown St. Helena, near tasting rooms and restaurants.
Agency: St. Helena Police Department
Details: This spot is usually active during wine events, festivals, and weekends. Officers stop every vehicle between 5:30 PM and 10:30 PM, looking for field sobriety signs, expired registration, and unlicensed drivers.
Calistoga – Lincoln Avenue near Washington Street
Exact Location: Near the entrance to downtown Calistoga and local inns.
Agency: Calistoga Police Department
Details: Though a smaller city, this location is chosen during hot springs weekends, holidays, or local parades. Officers conduct checkpoints from 6 PM to 10:30 PM, often with breathalyzers on hand and DUI-trained officers present.
DUI Penalties in Napa County
Getting caught at a DUI checkpoint is no joke. Even a first-time offense can bring heavy consequences that follow you for years.
First DUI Offense:
-
Up to $2,000 in fines and court fees
-
6-month license suspension
-
3–9 months in DUI education classes
-
Up to 6 months in jail (may be reduced or served via probation)
-
Car insurance rates skyrocket
Second or Third DUI:
-
1 to 3 years license suspension
-
Mandatory ignition interlock device
-
Jail time or formal probation
-
You could spend over $10,000 out of pocket including all penalties
If your DUI involved injury, death, or multiple offenses, you’ll face:
-
Felony charges
-
State prison time
-
Long-term license revocation
-
Trouble finding jobs, housing, or keeping a professional license
Don’t take the risk. If you’ve had anything to drink—or used cannabis—don’t get behind the wheel. Plan ahead with a designated driver or ride service. DUI checkpoints aren’t here to hassle you. They’re here to stop tragedies before they happen.
