DUI Checkpoints in Santa Clara County, CA

CityDUI Block LocationTime
MilpitasThe Milpitas Police Department Traffic Safety Unit will hold a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location.Saturday, December 27, 2025 | 9 PM to 3 AM
GilroyThe Gilroy Police Department will be conducting a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the City of Gilroy.Friday, December 19, 2025 | 6 PM to 1 AM
San JoseA DUI and driver’s license checkpoint will be conducted in San Jose, Santa Clara County, by the San José Police Department.Friday, December 19, 2025 | 8 PM to 2 AM
CampbellCampbell PD conducted a DUI checkpoint on E Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008Monday, December 8, 2025
San JoseA DUI checkpoint is planned for an undisclosed spot in San Jose City.Friday, November 21, 2025 | 8 PM to 2 AM
GilroyDUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the City of Gilroy.Friday, October 10, 2025 | 6 PM to 1 AM
Hollister-GilroyThe California Highway Patrol Hollister-Gilroy Area will host a Driving Under the Influence Sobriety Checkpoint on Sept. 5 in an unincorporated area of southern Santa Clara County.September 5, 2025 From 7 PM to 3 AM
CampbellCampbell – DUI checkpoint on West Campbell Ave west of S. Winchester BlvdFriday, August 29, 2025 | 8:30 PM - Mindinght
San JoseDUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint – Undisclosed location, San Jose, CAFriday, July 18, 2025 From 8 PM to 2 AM
Gilroy, CADUI Block at an undisclosed location within the City of Gilroy.Saturday, July 12, 2025, From 6 PM to 1 AM
CampbellDUI Block Near West Campbell Ave, West of S. Winchester BlvdSaturday, July 5th, 2025 | Tonight
Palo AltoA Driving Under the Influence checkpoint is scheduled at an undisclosed location within the city of Palo Alto, according to DUIBlock.net and the Palo Alto Police.Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 6 PM to 2 AM

 

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Santa Clara County sits at the heart of Silicon Valley and includes major cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, and Gilroy. With tech campuses, sports stadiums, concert venues, and busy highways like I-880, I-280, US-101, and Highway 85, traffic here is nonstop—and so is the risk of impaired driving.

In 2024, Santa Clara County reported over 400 DUI-related crashes, including dozens of injuries and multiple fatalities. Law enforcement takes impaired driving seriously and frequently sets up DUI checkpoints throughout the county, especially on weekends, holidays, and during large public events.

San Jose – Monterey Road near Capitol Expressway

Exact Location: South San Jose area near shopping centers and commuter traffic zones.

Agency: San Jose Police Department

Details: One of the most active DUI checkpoint areas in the city. Officers operate this checkpoint most weekends from 7 PM to 1 AM. The location sees heavy traffic, and officers are trained to detect alcohol and drug impairment quickly.

Santa Clara – El Camino Real near Lafayette Street

Exact Location: Near residential areas, bars, and Santa Clara University.

Agency: Santa Clara Police Department

Details: This checkpoint targets weekend nightlife traffic, usually running from 6:30 PM to midnight. Officers often partner with community DUI awareness programs and hand out educational materials while checking for valid licenses and impairment signs.

Sunnyvale – Wolfe Road near Old San Francisco Road

Exact Location: Close to shopping centers and corporate offices.

Agency: Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety

Details: This checkpoint runs on Friday evenings and during major local events, especially when company parties or festivals are going on. It’s well-lit and marked clearly with cones, lights, and signage.

Mountain View – Shoreline Boulevard near Highway 101

Exact Location: Near tech campuses and event centers like Shoreline Amphitheatre.

Agency: Mountain View Police Department

Details: Officers use this location during high-traffic events like concerts or holiday weekends. The checkpoint typically runs from 6 PM to 11 PM, stopping every third or fourth car for screening.

Gilroy – First Street near Wren Avenue

Exact Location: Near shopping areas and common bar locations.

Agency: Gilroy Police Department

Details: Active during events like the Gilroy Garlic Festival or on three-day weekends. Officers run the checkpoint from 6 PM to 11:30 PM, checking for both alcohol and cannabis impairment.

DUI Penalties in Santa Clara County

DUI laws in Santa Clara County follow California state guidelines—but enforcement is especially strict in this busy urban area. Whether it’s your first offense or not, the penalties can be life-changing.

First DUI Offense:

  • Fines and fees up to $2,000

  • License suspension for 6 months

  • DUI education program (3 to 9 months)

  • Possible jail time or probation

  • Increased insurance costs

Second or Third DUI:

  • Up to 1 year in jail or more

  • Longer license suspension (up to 3 years)

  • Ignition interlock device required

  • Repeat offenders face felony charges if injuries are involved

Aggravated DUI:

  • If you injure someone, drive with a child in the car, or have a BAC of 0.15% or higher:

    • Felony DUI charges

    • Long-term license revocation

    • State prison time

    • Hefty court fines

Santa Clara County doesn’t play around with DUI. If you’re drinking, using cannabis, or even just feeling drowsy—don’t risk it. Call a rideshare, get a sober friend, or stay put. These checkpoints are here to prevent accidents, not just hand out tickets.