DUI Checkpoints in Nevada

County	City	Location	Date
Ormsby	Carson City	Sobriety Checkpoint on E. William St. in Carson City	Friday, February 21, 2025
Las Vegas	Las Vegas	The Nevada Highway Patrol is beefing up DUI patrols and checkpoints ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, according to a news release.	Super Bowl Sunday 2025
Las Vegas	Las Vegas	Checkpoints were placed close to Flamingo Road, Tropicana, Desert Inn, Valley View Boulevard, and Rainbow Boulevard.	From 6 PM to 1 AM on Sunday, February 11, 2024 Super Bowl Weekend 2024

DUI Checkpoints in Nevada: A Detailed Guide to Common Locations

Nevada, famous for its vibrant nightlife and bustling cities, especially Las Vegas, has a strong law enforcement presence dedicated to ensuring road safety. With a large number of tourists and locals alike traveling the roads, DUI checkpoints are a frequent and essential part of the state’s strategy to curb impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies throughout Nevada conduct DUI checkpoints in key locations to target areas with high traffic and those that pose a risk of impaired driving incidents.

Below, we’ll take a deep dive into the most common DUI checkpoint locations throughout Nevada, exploring busy streets, highways, and areas often targeted by law enforcement for DUI enforcement.

1. Las Vegas Metropolitan Area

Las Vegas, being the entertainment capital of the world, sees thousands of visitors year-round. The combination of casinos, nightclubs, and bars results in heavy alcohol consumption, making DUI checkpoints a frequent necessity. Law enforcement regularly conducts DUI checkpoints along major thoroughfares and near entertainment hubs in the area.

Las Vegas:

Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip) and Sahara Avenue: The iconic Las Vegas Boulevard (commonly known as “The Strip”) is one of the busiest roads in the city, especially on weekends and during special events. DUI checkpoints are often set up on Las Vegas Boulevard, particularly near Sahara Avenue or the Fremont Street Experience, where there is a high volume of nightlife traffic. Police target this area during the late hours when intoxicated drivers are most likely to be on the road.
Flamingo Road and Paradise Road: Flamingo Road is a major east-west route that connects several popular hotels and casinos. Paradise Road runs parallel to the Strip and is often used to reach large events, making it another frequent DUI checkpoint location. Law enforcement often sets up checkpoints here, especially during weekends and holidays when partygoers are more likely to be traveling after drinking.
Sunset Road and Valley View Boulevard: This location, near the airport and major roadways, often sees DUI checkpoints, particularly during busy travel times such as New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July. It’s a critical area to watch for sobriety checkpoints after large events or shows.

Interstate 15:

I-15 North and South of Las Vegas: Interstate 15 is the primary highway connecting Las Vegas to California and Utah. DUI checkpoints are often set up along this interstate, especially during times of heavy traffic, such as long weekends or after major events like music festivals or conventions.

2. Henderson and Southern Nevada

Just south of Las Vegas, Henderson is one of the largest cities in Nevada and experiences its own traffic flow, especially along major highways. DUI checkpoints are set up regularly to reduce accidents in areas with high nightlife traffic.

Henderson:

Boulder Highway and Eastern Avenue: As a busy area near shopping centers, restaurants, and casinos, this intersection in Henderson is a popular DUI checkpoint location. Law enforcement targets this area on weekends and during holiday periods when there is a high volume of traffic related to nightlife.
Green Valley Parkway and Sunset Road: Green Valley Parkway is another high-traffic route through Henderson, particularly near shopping areas and entertainment venues. DUI checkpoints are commonly set up here, especially in the evening hours when people are leaving bars or casinos.

3. Reno-Sparks Area

Northern Nevada’s Reno and Sparks areas, known for their proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, also see their fair share of DUI checkpoints. With a lively nightlife scene and various annual events like Hot August Nights, DUI checkpoints are implemented throughout the year.

Reno:

Virginia Street and 2nd Street: One of the busiest intersections in Reno, near downtown, Virginia Street is home to several casinos, bars, and restaurants. DUI checkpoints are often set up on Virginia Street, particularly after late-night events or weekends when bars close. This area sees high foot traffic, so sobriety checkpoints are key to preventing impaired driving.
Interstate 80 near Sparks Boulevard: The Interstate 80 corridor that passes through Reno and Sparks is heavily used by both locals and travelers. DUI checkpoints are routinely set up near major exits, such as Sparks Boulevard, to ensure drivers are not impaired as they drive through the region.

South Virginia Street and Meadowood Mall Area:

This area is also frequently targeted by law enforcement due to the presence of several large retail stores, restaurants, and a popular shopping mall. DUI checkpoints are often conducted here, especially on weekends and holidays when many people are out shopping or dining.

4. Elko and Northeastern Nevada

Although Elko and northeastern Nevada are less populated than southern areas like Las Vegas, the region still faces its share of DUI incidents. This area is home to highways that lead to other states, so DUI checkpoints are strategically placed to catch impaired drivers traveling through the area.

Elko:

Idaho Street and 5th Street: As one of the busiest intersections in Elko, DUI checkpoints are regularly set up at this junction to monitor impaired driving, especially after events like rodeos, local fairs, or casino events.

U.S. Route 93:

US 93 near the Utah border: Since U.S. Route 93 runs from Nevada through to Utah, it is a critical highway for both local and through traffic. DUI checkpoints are frequently set up near the state border to intercept drivers who may have been drinking while traveling through Nevada.

5. Carson City and Western Nevada

Carson City, the state capital of Nevada, often sees DUI checkpoints due to its small size but significant traffic. While the city is less bustling than Las Vegas or Reno, law enforcement conducts sobriety checkpoints around areas with heavy local traffic.

Carson City:

Carson Street and Robinson Street: This intersection is one of the primary locations for DUI checkpoints in Carson City. Carson Street is a major road with both residential and business districts, making it a high-traffic area for DUI enforcement.
South Carson Street and College Parkway: This area, close to parks and shopping areas, is another DUI checkpoint hotspot, especially during weekends or public events like the Nevada Day Parade.

6. Lake Tahoe and the Surrounding Areas

Lake Tahoe, located on the Nevada-California border, is a major tourist destination, particularly for outdoor activities like skiing, boating, and hiking. DUI checkpoints are set up frequently in this region, especially during the busy ski season or summer months when the area draws large crowds.

Lake Tahoe:

Highway 50 and Lake Tahoe Boulevard: This intersection is a common DUI checkpoint location in South Lake Tahoe. The area is close to several popular casinos, bars, and resorts, making it a prime location for DUI enforcement.
Kingsbury Grade: This mountain pass connects the south shore of Lake Tahoe to Carson City. DUI checkpoints are often set up along this route, particularly after major events or during the ski season when traffic volumes increase.

7. Rural Nevada

Rural Nevada, despite being less populated, still experiences DUI issues, especially on long stretches of highway that pass through towns and cities with less frequent police presence.

U.S. Route 6:

US 6 through Tonopah: U.S. Route 6, running through Tonopah, is a common location for DUI checkpoints in rural Nevada. This highway, while not as heavily trafficked as interstates, sees travelers from both locals and tourists heading to nearby attractions.

U.S. Route 95:

US 95 near the Nevada-California Border: As another key highway that crosses the state, U.S. Route 95 is often patrolled for DUI enforcement. Checkpoints are set up at various points, particularly near towns like Lovelock or Fallon, which see higher volumes of traffic during long weekends and holidays.

Conclusion

DUI checkpoints in Nevada are designed to ensure the safety of all road users, whether they are locals or visitors. From the Las Vegas Strip to Reno, Carson City, and Lake Tahoe, Nevada’s law enforcement agencies are vigilant in monitoring for impaired drivers. The frequent DUI checkpoints aim to curb impaired driving and reduce accidents, making the state’s roads safer for everyone.

If you’re planning to travel through Nevada, remember that DUI checkpoints are often conducted near major intersections, highways, and areas with a concentration of nightlife. To stay safe, always designate a driver or use ride-sharing services if you plan on drinking. Stay aware, stay safe, and avoid DUI-related consequences.