DUI Checkpoints in Illinois

County	City	Location	Date
Cook	Niles	DUI Block at Harlem Avenue and Dempster Street Niles, IL 60714	May 9, 2025 Tonight
Cook	Albany Park area Chicago	DUI Saturation Patrol: Albany Park area	Friday, June 7, 2024 from 6 p.m. to early Saturday morning
Will		DUI Roadside Safety Checkpoint	Saturday May 18, 2024 - 9:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M.

Illinois is a state that takes impaired driving very seriously. DUI checkpoints are a critical part of the state’s efforts to reduce alcohol-related accidents and fatalities. Law enforcement agencies across Illinois routinely set up checkpoints in areas with high traffic volume, near nightlife districts, and along major highways where impaired driving is more likely to occur.

This article provides a comprehensive look at some of the most common DUI checkpoint locations throughout Illinois, offering insights into the specific areas where DUI enforcement is often conducted.

1. Chicago (Cook County)

As Illinois’ largest city, Chicago experiences a high volume of both local and through traffic. DUI checkpoints in Chicago are typically set up in busy areas like downtown, near popular nightlife spots, and along major highways that run through the city. The city’s strategic positioning near other major cities, such as Milwaukee and Indianapolis, makes it a focal point for DUI enforcement.

Chicago:

Interstate 90/94 and Interstate 290 (Downtown Chicago): These two major highways converge in downtown Chicago, making it a popular location for DUI checkpoints. Law enforcement officers often target this busy area, especially during the evenings and weekends when nightlife activity peaks.
South State Street and Roosevelt Road: This busy intersection, located near the Chicago Loop, sees significant foot and vehicle traffic. DUI checkpoints are frequently set up here after hours when patrons are leaving bars and restaurants.
North Lincoln Avenue and West Armitage Avenue: Known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling shopping areas, this intersection is often a site for DUI checkpoints. Enforcement typically occurs during the late evening to early morning hours when bars and clubs are closing.

2. Aurora (Kane County)

Located in Kane County, Aurora is Illinois’ second-largest city and sees a considerable amount of traffic, especially in its downtown district and nearby highways. DUI checkpoints in Aurora are strategically placed to target drivers coming in and out of these areas.

Aurora:

Interstate 88 and Farnsworth Avenue: A major junction in Aurora, this intersection sees high volumes of commuter traffic. DUI checkpoints are often set up here, particularly in the evenings after rush hour, when impaired drivers are more likely to be on the roads.
Route 34 and Route 31: These two highways are major thoroughfares that pass through Aurora. DUI checkpoints are commonly conducted at this intersection, particularly during the holiday season and weekends, when alcohol consumption tends to rise.
Galena Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue: This central location in Aurora is frequently monitored by DUI checkpoints, especially at night when traffic from bars and restaurants in the area is at its peak.

3. Rockford (Winnebago County)

In Rockford, the third-largest city in Illinois, DUI checkpoints are strategically set up on busy highways and in the city center, where impaired drivers are more likely to be found.

Rockford:

Interstate 39 and Route 20: This major intersection in Rockford sees significant traffic from both local commuters and long-distance travelers. DUI checkpoints are regularly set up here, particularly during holidays or after large events when alcohol consumption increases.
State Street and East Riverside Boulevard: A busy intersection near local shopping and entertainment venues, this area is a hotspot for DUI enforcement, particularly during late evenings when people are leaving bars or heading home from social events.
U.S. Route 51 and South Alpine Road: A major route through Rockford, this location sees significant traffic, making it a frequent target for DUI checkpoints, particularly on weekends when impaired driving is more common.

4. Naperville (DuPage County)

Naperville is a suburban city in DuPage County known for its affluent neighborhoods and busy commercial districts. DUI checkpoints here are frequently set up near busy intersections and high-traffic areas, particularly on weekends and holidays when nightlife activity increases.

Naperville:

Interstate 88 and Route 59: A key intersection in Naperville, this area sees high volumes of both commuter and retail traffic. DUI checkpoints are set up here during the evenings and weekends, when impaired driving is a concern, especially after hours.
South Washington Street and West Ogden Avenue: This busy intersection in the downtown Naperville area is another common location for DUI checkpoints, particularly after events or on weekends when bars and restaurants see high traffic.
North Aurora Road and Route 34: This well-traveled area often sees DUI enforcement, particularly in the evenings and early mornings when traffic from entertainment venues and local businesses is at its peak.

5. Peoria (Peoria County)

Peoria is located in central Illinois and is the largest city in Peoria County. DUI checkpoints are often set up in busy districts and at key intersections that see high traffic volumes, especially on weekends and holidays.

Peoria:

Interstate 74 and War Memorial Drive: This critical intersection in Peoria is a common location for DUI checkpoints. It’s a heavily traveled area, especially during the evening hours when local bars and restaurants are closing.
North University Street and West Glen Avenue: This location, near shopping centers and entertainment venues, frequently sees DUI enforcement, particularly after bars and clubs close down for the night.
West Main Street and Southwest Adams Street: Located near the heart of downtown Peoria, this intersection is often used for DUI checkpoints, particularly when large events or conventions are taking place in the city.

6. Champaign-Urbana (Champaign County)

Champaign-Urbana, home to the University of Illinois, has a large student population, making it a frequent target for DUI checkpoints. The presence of bars, clubs, and large events, particularly on weekends, means DUI enforcement is a priority.

Champaign-Urbana:

Interstate 74 and North Neil Street (Champaign): This intersection, one of the main entry points into Champaign, is frequently monitored by DUI checkpoints, especially on weekends when students and locals are more likely to be out drinking.
South Vine Street and East Springfield Avenue (Urbana): A major intersection near several bars and entertainment venues in Urbana, DUI checkpoints are commonly set up here during the late evening and early morning hours, particularly after weekends when alcohol consumption peaks.
Route 45 and East University Avenue (Champaign): Known for its proximity to the University of Illinois campus, this area sees a lot of nightlife activity and DUI checkpoints are frequently conducted during the evenings.

7. Other Notable DUI Checkpoint Locations in Illinois

In addition to the larger cities, DUI checkpoints are commonly set up in suburban areas and along major highways throughout Illinois. These areas are strategically chosen based on traffic volume, accident rates, and the proximity to nightlife and entertainment venues.

State Route 4 near Springfield: The state capital regularly conducts DUI checkpoints, especially on the main highways leading into the city. These checkpoints target high-traffic areas during busy times, such as after office hours and weekends.
Route 45 near Crystal Lake: This suburban area just north of Chicago is known for its heavy traffic and DUI checkpoints are often set up here, particularly during the evening hours when many people are out socializing.
Route 52 near Joliet: Joliet is another suburban area where DUI checkpoints are regularly enforced, particularly on major roads like Route 52 where commuters are headed to and from the city.

Conclusion

DUI checkpoints in Illinois serve a vital role in preventing impaired driving and enhancing road safety. Law enforcement agencies across the state conduct regular DUI enforcement in high-traffic areas, near nightlife districts, and along major highways. These checkpoints are typically set up during evenings, weekends, and holidays when alcohol-related accidents are more likely to occur.

As a driver, it’s important to be aware of the most common DUI checkpoint locations, but it’s even more important to make responsible choices. Remember, drinking and driving is not only illegal but also dangerous. Make the choice to stay sober or designate a driver, and never drive under the influence. Your actions behind the wheel could save lives, including your own and those of others on the road.