DUI Checkpoints in Mississippi

County	City	Location	Date
Harrison	Saucier	Hwy 49 and West Wortham Rd - Area Exxon Gas Station	4 July 2024
Lauderdale	Meridian	5th St and Cooper Ave - Area Of Animal Control	4 July 2023
Harrison	Pass Christian	Menge Ave and Pineville Rd - Area South Of I-10	Fri Dec 23, 2022

Driving under the influence (DUI) remains one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities in Mississippi. As a state with a mix of rural roadways, small towns, and urban centers, law enforcement agencies in Mississippi use sobriety checkpoints as a crucial tool to reduce impaired driving and protect public safety. These checkpoints, also known as DUI roadblocks, are strategically placed throughout the state in areas known for high traffic volumes, nightlife, and prior DUI incidents.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common DUI checkpoint locations in Mississippi, detailing the specific highways, intersections, and regions where drivers are most likely to encounter law enforcement during DUI enforcement operations.

Understanding DUI Checkpoints in Mississippi

Mississippi law enforcement agencies—including the Mississippi Highway Patrol, county sheriff’s offices, and local police departments—frequently conduct DUI checkpoints, especially during weekends, holidays, and special enforcement campaigns like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” These checkpoints serve as preventative measures and are often announced in advance to maintain transparency while maximizing their deterrent effect.

At these checkpoints, officers check drivers for signs of impairment and ensure compliance with driver’s license and insurance requirements. Refusing a breathalyzer or field sobriety test can have serious consequences under Mississippi’s implied consent laws.

Jackson Metro Area (Hinds, Madison, and Rankin Counties)

Jackson, the state capital and its most populous city, sees a high concentration of DUI enforcement due to its dense road networks and nightlife. The presence of colleges and busy urban corridors increases the likelihood of DUI-related incidents.

Common DUI Checkpoint Locations:

Interstate 55 near Fortification Street and Northside Drive. This area connects downtown Jackson with northern residential and commercial areas.
Interstate 20 near Highway 49 and Ellis Avenue, a high-traffic zone that sees late-night traffic from bars and restaurants.
Old Canton Road and County Line Road, especially near the Madison-Ridgeland border, is a known checkpoint zone due to proximity to popular nightlife spots and hotels.
Lakeland Drive near Flowood, a busy suburban corridor with shopping centers and entertainment venues.

Law enforcement in the Jackson metro area frequently rotates checkpoint locations but prioritizes routes with significant evening and weekend activity.

Gulf Coast Region (Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula)

The Mississippi Gulf Coast, with its casinos, beaches, and nightlife, is another major focus for DUI enforcement. Visitors and locals alike flock to entertainment venues, increasing the risk of alcohol-related driving offenses.

Key DUI Checkpoint Areas:

U.S. Highway 90 (Beach Boulevard), particularly near the Biloxi and Gulfport casino strip. This scenic highway often hosts roadblocks during weekends and special events.
Interstate 10 near Long Beach and D’Iberville. This corridor sees heavy tourist and commuter traffic and is frequently targeted for DUI saturation patrols and checkpoints.
Pass Road and Cowan Road in Gulfport, areas with nightlife, restaurants, and close proximity to the coast.
Denny Avenue and Highway 63 in Pascagoula, where local police have reported past DUI incidents during holiday weekends.

Local departments often collaborate with the Mississippi Highway Patrol in these zones to maximize coverage during major events like Mardi Gras, spring break, and holiday weekends.

North Mississippi (Tupelo, Oxford, Southaven)

North Mississippi includes college towns, growing suburbs, and interstate corridors that are frequently patrolled for impaired driving.

Notable DUI Checkpoint Locations:

Highway 6 in Oxford, especially near the University of Mississippi. With a large student population and active nightlife, this highway is a top enforcement priority during home football games and weekends.
U.S. Highway 45 near Tupelo Mall and Barnes Crossing Road. This area sees high weekend traffic and is a known checkpoint location.
Goodman Road and Airways Boulevard in Southaven, located near the Tennessee border and part of the Memphis metro area. DUI enforcement in this suburban corridor is often carried out by both Mississippi and Tennessee authorities.
Interstate 22 near New Albany and Holly Springs, often patrolled by the Mississippi Highway Patrol during major travel periods.

Due to the high volume of student drivers and out-of-town visitors in Oxford and Tupelo, sobriety checkpoints are especially frequent around the academic calendar and during holidays.

Central Mississippi (Meridian, Philadelphia, Newton)

Central Mississippi, though more rural in nature, sees regular DUI checkpoints due to through-traffic on interstate highways and regional events like concerts, fairs, and festivals.

Common DUI Checkpoint Zones:

Interstate 20/59 corridor near Meridian, especially around Highway 39 and Highway 19 exits. The convergence of interstates and local routes makes this a popular enforcement area.
Mississippi Highway 16 near Philadelphia, particularly during the Neshoba County Fair and other large gatherings.
U.S. Highway 80 in Newton and Newton County, a known corridor for east-west travel that often sees checkpoints on weekends.
Poplar Springs Drive and North Hills Street in Meridian, especially near local dining and bar districts.

Checkpoint placement in this region often coincides with public events, and law enforcement agencies deploy both stationary checkpoints and roving patrols.

Southwest Mississippi (Natchez, Brookhaven, McComb)

The rural nature of southwest Mississippi doesn’t exempt it from active DUI enforcement. Law enforcement agencies in this area focus on state highways and regional roads with known DUI risks.

Frequent DUI Enforcement Areas:

U.S. Highway 61 near Natchez and Fayette. A historic and heavily traveled highway, it is often monitored during late-night hours.
Interstate 55 near Brookhaven and McComb. This corridor connects Jackson to Louisiana and sees high volumes of both commercial and private travel.
Mississippi Highway 84 near Meadville and Bude, especially on weekends and holidays.
Downtown Natchez areas near Franklin Street, Main Street, and Canal Street—areas with several bars and restaurants.

While fewer in number, checkpoints in southwest Mississippi are strategically placed on well-traveled roads and during peak travel times.

Southeast Mississippi (Hattiesburg, Laurel, Petal)

This region has seen growth in recent years, with Hattiesburg emerging as a regional hub with a university, medical centers, and shopping areas.

Key Checkpoint Locations:

U.S. Highway 49 near the University of Southern Mississippi and Hardy Street, where both local and student nightlife is prominent.
Interstate 59 near Hattiesburg and Purvis. This interstate is a main connector through the Pine Belt region.
Old Highway 11 near Oak Grove and West Hattiesburg, an area that sees frequent traffic from shopping and residential neighborhoods.
Ellisville Boulevard and 16th Avenue in Laurel, especially during events or major weekends.

The presence of college campuses and regional hospitals makes DUI enforcement a critical safety tool in this region.

Conclusion

DUI checkpoints in Mississippi are strategically deployed to deter impaired driving, protect lives, and maintain order on the roads. From the coastal nightlife of Biloxi to the college town traffic of Oxford and the interstates of Jackson and Meridian, law enforcement agencies use data, traffic trends, and community input to determine the most effective locations for sobriety checkpoints.

Drivers should always plan ahead when consuming alcohol. Use rideshare services, designated drivers, or public transportation to avoid risking your life and the lives of others. In Mississippi, the consequences of a DUI can include arrest, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. But more importantly, they can result in devastating injury or loss of life.