DUI Checkpoints in Massachusetts

County	City	Location	Date
Hampden	Somewhere	DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location.	Friday, August 15, 2025
Middlesex		Undisclosed Location: Authorities have stated that a DUI checkpoint will be conducted somewhere in the county, though the exact location has not been released to the public.	Friday, June 6, 2025
Hampden	Undisclosed	DUI Block - at an undisclosed location	Friday, May 9, 2025 Tonight
Hampden	Undisclosed	Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble states that the checkpoint will be held somewhere in Hampden County	Thursday, April 24th and Friday 25th.
Essex	somewhere	DUI checkpoint will be somewhere in the county	Friday, April 11, 2025
Essex	Essex	The Massachusetts State Police have announced a scheduled sobriety checkpoint in Essex County	Friday, March 21, 2025, Evening to Midnight

Top DUI Checkpoint Locations in Massachusetts

Massachusetts, with its vibrant cities, busy highways, and bustling nightlife, frequently conducts DUI checkpoints in high-traffic areas to promote safety and reduce impaired driving. DUI checkpoints in the state are typically set up near popular destinations, busy intersections, and highways known for high traffic volumes. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly enforced DUI checkpoint locations across the state.

1. Boston Area

As the state capital and largest city in Massachusetts, Boston experiences some of the busiest streets, nightlife, and tourist destinations, making it a high-priority location for DUI checkpoints. Law enforcement regularly sets up checkpoints throughout the city to deter impaired driving and ensure safety, especially on weekends or during large events.

Downtown Boston:

Boylston Street and Tremont Street: This bustling downtown intersection is located near popular attractions like the Boston Common, Theater District, and numerous bars and restaurants. DUI checkpoints are frequently set up in this area to deter impaired driving.
Highland Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue (Mass Ave): Mass Ave, running through the heart of Boston, is another busy street that often sees DUI enforcement, particularly around bars and restaurants near Fenway Park and Northeastern University.

Seaport District:

Seaport Boulevard and Congress Street: The Seaport District in Boston, home to many restaurants, bars, and shops, sees significant foot and car traffic. DUI checkpoints are common along Seaport Boulevard, especially during weekends or events such as Boston’s Summer Festival.

South Boston:

Broadway Street and Dorchester Avenue: South Boston, or Southie, is known for its lively nightlife and community events. DUI checkpoints are frequently set up here, especially during weekends or around major sports events.

Interstate 93:

I-93 near South Station: One of the main highways running through Boston, I-93 is heavily patrolled for DUI offenses. DUI checkpoints are set up along I-93 as it leads in and out of the city, especially during rush hours or around events.

2. Cambridge and Surrounding Areas

Located just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge is home to Harvard University and MIT, attracting a large number of students and tourists. The city also has a busy nightlife scene, making it a target for DUI checkpoints.

Harvard Square:

Massachusetts Avenue and Holyoke Street: Harvard Square is a popular student hub filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. DUI checkpoints are frequently set up in this area, especially during weekends when nightlife activity peaks.

Alewife and Fresh Pond:

Fresh Pond Parkway and Cambridgepark Drive: This area sees significant traffic as it leads to the Alewife T Station and Fresh Pond Mall. DUI checkpoints are commonly set up along this corridor to reduce impaired driving.

Route 2 and Route 3:

Route 2 near Alewife: A busy intersection in the suburbs, this area is frequently targeted for DUI checkpoints due to its proximity to Cambridge and the surrounding communities.

3. Worcester Area

Worcester, located in central Massachusetts, is one of the state’s largest cities, with a large student population and a growing nightlife scene. DUI checkpoints are commonly set up in high-traffic areas and major intersections within the city and its surrounding regions.

Downtown Worcester:

Main Street and High Street: A primary intersection in Worcester, this area sees a mix of college students and professionals frequenting bars, restaurants, and cultural events. DUI checkpoints are set up here during peak traffic hours and weekends.

I-290 and I-90 (Mass Pike):

I-290 near Park Avenue: This stretch of I-290 runs through Worcester and is a busy corridor for both locals and travelers. DUI checkpoints are often set up along this section of the highway.
I-90 (Mass Pike) near Worcester: A major east-west route, I-90 often sees DUI enforcement near Worcester’s highway exits, especially around the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Worcester State University.

4. Springfield and Western Massachusetts

Springfield, the third-largest city in Massachusetts, has a variety of DUI checkpoints to reduce impaired driving and ensure public safety, especially on major routes and near busy city centers.

Downtown Springfield:

Main Street and State Street: This intersection, located near Court Square and downtown Springfield, is a popular area for DUI checkpoints. The city’s bars and restaurants make it a target for DUI enforcement, particularly on weekends.

I-91 and I-291:

I-91 near Memorial Bridge: As one of the main highways connecting Springfield to neighboring towns, DUI checkpoints are often set up along I-91, particularly during peak traffic times, such as rush hour or after large events at the MassMutual Center.
I-291 near the Springfield Armory: This highway near the historical Springfield Armory is another high-traffic area for DUI checkpoints in Springfield.

5. Lowell and Merrimack Valley

The Lowell area, located in the northeastern part of Massachusetts, has its fair share of DUI checkpoints, primarily around high-traffic areas such as busy roads and intersections close to the University of Massachusetts Lowell and downtown.

Downtown Lowell:

Central Street and Merrimack Street: This busy intersection in the heart of Lowell sees frequent DUI checkpoints, especially during events and on weekends when people head out for local bars or social gatherings.

U.S. Route 3:

U.S. Route 3 near Chelmsford: A major route running through Lowell, U.S. Route 3 is heavily patrolled for DUI enforcement. Law enforcement often sets up checkpoints in the area, particularly as travelers head into or out of Lowell and Billerica.

6. Plymouth and Cape Cod

Plymouth, known for its historical significance and proximity to Cape Cod, sees many DUI checkpoints aimed at reducing impaired driving along the busy highway corridors leading into the region. As a popular tourist destination, especially during summer months, these checkpoints help ensure safety during peak travel times.

Downtown Plymouth:

Main Street and Court Street: With its vibrant downtown filled with shops and restaurants, DUI checkpoints are set up in Plymouth to ensure that visitors and locals remain sober while driving.

U.S. Route 44 and U.S. Route 3:

U.S. Route 44 near Plymouth Bay: This route connects Plymouth with Cape Cod and is often used by travelers heading toward the coast. DUI checkpoints are frequently set up along this route, particularly on busy holiday weekends.

7. New Bedford and Southeastern Massachusetts

New Bedford, located in southeastern Massachusetts, is another area where DUI checkpoints are common due to its busy port, local attractions, and access to Cape Cod.

Downtown New Bedford:

Purchase Street and Union Street: This area, known for its vibrant downtown and local nightlife, often sees DUI checkpoints. These checkpoints help curb impaired driving, especially as bars and restaurants attract late-night crowds.

I-195:

I-195 near the New Bedford City Center: This highway is a major connector for travelers going to and from New Bedford. DUI checkpoints are frequently set up in this area to ensure that people remain sober while traveling.

8. South Shore and Cape Cod

This region, known for its summer tourism and scenic coastal destinations, has DUI checkpoints in areas that see significant traffic, particularly during peak vacation seasons.

Hyannis (Cape Cod):

Main Street and Route 28: A popular tourist town, Hyannis sees DUI enforcement aimed at ensuring safe travel for those visiting or heading to popular spots along Cape Cod. The area near Hyannis Harbor is a frequent checkpoint location.

Route 6:

Route 6 near Wellfleet and Orleans: This stretch of Cape Cod National Seashore sees a lot of tourist traffic. DUI checkpoints are frequently set up to ensure safety, particularly during the summer months when the region sees an influx of visitors.

Conclusion

Massachusetts is committed to reducing impaired driving and promoting safety through DUI checkpoints across the state. From the bustling streets of Boston to the coastal areas of Cape Cod, law enforcement is working hard to ensure that drivers remain sober, especially during high-traffic periods or after large events. Always remember to plan ahead and avoid the consequences of drinking and driving. Designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service when you’re out.

By understanding the common DUI checkpoint locations and staying informed, you can make better choices and contribute to safer roadways for everyone in Massachusetts.

Stay safe and don’t drink and drive.