DUI Checkpoints in Kentucky

CountyCityLocationDate
EdmonsonMammoth CaveMammoth Cave National Park law enforcement officers are set to conduct periodic sobriety and safety checkpoints2025
CarrollCarrollTraffic safety checkpoints - Troopers will be checking for impaired drivers, children that are not properly restrained in child safety seats, and to inform the public about the use of seatbelts.Monday, July 1 2024

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Kentucky, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state actively set up checkpoints to deter impaired driving and keep roadways safe. Below is a comprehensive list of some of the most heavily monitored areas in Kentucky where DUI checkpoints are frequently conducted, along with the names of the agencies responsible for enforcement.

1. Louisville Metro Area (Jefferson County)

The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) regularly conducts DUI checkpoints throughout the city, especially in high-traffic zones and nightlife areas. Notable checkpoint areas include:

  • Bardstown Road – A major corridor through the Highlands known for its restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

  • Dixie Highway (US 31W) – A high-volume thoroughfare where DUI checkpoints are often placed near Pleasure Ridge Park and Valley Station.

  • Eastern Parkway & Poplar Level Road – Near the University of Louisville, frequently monitored during weekends and campus events.

LMPD collaborates with the Kentucky State Police (KSP) during larger enforcement operations.

2. Lexington (Fayette County)

Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police Post 12 (Frankfort) operate DUI checkpoints around:

  • New Circle Road (KY 4) – Particularly near intersections with Richmond Road and Nicholasville Road.

  • Tates Creek Road & Man O’ War Boulevard – Known for weekend DUI operations.

  • Downtown Lexington near Short Street and Broadway – Close to bars and entertainment venues.

These areas are common for impaired driving due to the concentration of bars, especially during University of Kentucky events.

3. Northern Kentucky (Boone, Kenton, and Campbell Counties)

This area falls under the jurisdiction of the Northern Kentucky DUI Task Force, which includes city police from Florence, Covington, Newport, and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Key checkpoint locations:

  • Interstate 75/71 Corridor – Especially near Florence and Covington exits.

  • Madison Avenue in Covington – Near bar-heavy areas in downtown Covington.

  • Route 8/River Road in Newport – Near the levee and entertainment district.

These checkpoints are frequent during festivals, holidays, and Bengals home games across the river in Cincinnati.

4. Bowling Green (Warren County)

The Bowling Green Police Department and Kentucky State Police Post 3 often conduct sobriety checkpoints in:

  • Scottsville Road (US 231) – Near Greenwood Mall and high-traffic retail areas.

  • Russellville Road (US 68) – Especially near Western Kentucky University campus.

  • Cave Mill Road & Campbell Lane – Known for DUI checkpoints during weekends.

5. Owensboro (Daviess County)

Enforced by the Owensboro Police Department and Kentucky State Police Post 16, common DUI checkpoint areas include:

  • Frederica Street (US 431) – A primary commercial and nightlife corridor.

  • Highway 60 Bypass – Frequently patrolled, especially during weekends.

  • Parrish Avenue – Near local schools and public events.

6. Eastern Kentucky (Appalachian Region)

Kentucky State Police Posts 9 (Pikeville), 10 (Harlan), and 13 (Hazard) are responsible for DUI enforcement across rural mountain regions. Frequent checkpoint areas include:

  • US 23 near Pikeville and Prestonsburg

  • KY 15 in Hazard

  • US 119 in Harlan County

Due to fewer alternative routes in these regions, checkpoints are especially effective and regularly enforced.

7. Elizabethtown and Hardin County

Checkpoint enforcement here is led by the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and KSP Post 4 (Elizabethtown). Targeted areas include:

  • Dixie Highway (US 31W) – Runs through Radcliff and Elizabethtown.

  • Ring Road & Mulberry Street

  • Exit ramps along I-65

These areas are commonly monitored during major travel weekends and local festivals.

8. Frankfort (Franklin County)

Kentucky State Police Post 12 (Frankfort) and the Frankfort Police Department coordinate DUI checkpoints around:

  • Versailles Road (US 60)

  • East-West Connector (KY 676)

  • Downtown area near Capitol Avenue and Second Street

These checkpoints are often conducted during legislative sessions and public gatherings.

9. Richmond (Madison County)

KSP Post 7 (Richmond) and Richmond PD patrol several DUI hotspots:

  • Eastern Bypass near EKU Campus

  • Lexington Road (US 25)

  • South Keeneland Drive

University events and local festivals attract increased DUI checkpoint activity.

10. Paducah (McCracken County)

The Paducah Police Department and KSP Post 1 enforce DUI laws in the westernmost part of the state. Checkpoints are typically found along:

  • Hinkleville Road (US 60)

  • Lone Oak Road (KY 45)

  • Broadway Street

Due to the area’s proximity to the Illinois and Missouri borders, cross-state DUI enforcement is a priority.