DUI Checkpoints in New Mexico

CountyCityLocationDate
All CountyAll CityNew Mexico State Police will run sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and license/insurance checks statewide throughout June 2025. Exact locations won’t be announced ahead of time.June 2025 | Weekend Tonight
CurryClovisDWI Checkpoint at an undisclosed locationMay 23, 2025 | Tonight
CurryClovisDWI Checkpoint at an undisclosed locationMay 9, 2025 | Tonight
All New Mexico CountiesAll CityNew Mexico State Police (NMSP) will conduct sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and registration, insurance, and driver’s license checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during May.May 2025 | Tonight
All New Mexico CountiesAll CitySobriety Checkpoints, Saturation Patrols, and Registration/Insurance/DL Checkpoints By New Mexico State PoliceApril 2025 | Tonight

Top DUI Checkpoint Locations in New Mexico

New Mexico, with its busy highways, growing cities, and thriving tourist attractions, sees frequent DUI checkpoints. Law enforcement agencies in the state are proactive in reducing impaired driving, often setting up DUI checkpoints in areas where alcohol consumption and traffic are high. Below is an in-depth look at common DUI checkpoint locations throughout New Mexico.

1. Albuquerque and Central New Mexico

Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, sees a significant amount of traffic, especially around its entertainment districts and highways. DUI checkpoints are regularly conducted in high-traffic areas and around popular nightlife spots to ensure public safety.

Albuquerque Downtown and Nob Hill:

  • Central Avenue and 7th Street: This intersection is in the heart of Albuquerque’s Nob Hill district, a popular area filled with bars, restaurants, and nightlife. DUI checkpoints are frequently set up here, especially on weekends or during large public events.

Interstate 25 (I-25):

  • I-25 near the Rio Bravo exit: As a major interstate running through New Mexico, I-25 is often patrolled by DUI enforcement, particularly around busy exits such as Rio Bravo and Montano Road, where there’s heavy commuter and nightlife traffic.

Route 66:

  • Route 66 near Isleta Blvd SW: Known for its historical significance, Route 66 still remains a popular route for both tourists and locals. DUI checkpoints are often set up along this route, especially near busy commercial and residential areas.

2. Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico

Santa Fe, the state capital, is not only a cultural hub but also a hotspot for tourists, artists, and nightlife. DUI checkpoints are regularly set up in key locations throughout the city and along major highways leading into Santa Fe.

Santa Fe Downtown:

  • Old Santa Fe Trail and Water Street: The downtown area, particularly around the Santa Fe Plaza, sees significant pedestrian and vehicle traffic. DUI checkpoints are often set up around this area, particularly when festivals and events are taking place.

Interstate 25 (I-25):

  • I-25 near the Cerrillos Road exit: Cerrillos Road is a major thoroughfare in Santa Fe and runs parallel to Interstate 25. DUI checkpoints are frequently conducted near exits, especially during rush hours or around major cultural events.

3. Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico

Located in the southern part of the state, Las Cruces and Doña Ana County see heavy traffic due to its proximity to the Texas border. DUI checkpoints are often set up in high-traffic areas of the city and on major highways leading to the border.

Las Cruces:

  • Main Street and Amador Avenue: In the downtown area of Las Cruces, particularly near Main Street and Amador Avenue, DUI checkpoints are regularly set up due to the concentration of nightlife spots, including bars and restaurants. These checkpoints help reduce impaired driving in this busy district.

Interstate 10:

  • I-10 near the University Avenue exit: The University of New Mexico at Las Cruces is located near Interstate 10, and DUI enforcement is often visible in this region. Checkpoints are frequently conducted around the university and University Avenue, which is a major route for students and locals.

4. Farmington and Northwest New Mexico

Farmington, located in the northwestern part of New Mexico, is a key point of access to Durango, Colorado, and Aztec, and it sees significant traffic from commuters, tourists, and truckers. DUI checkpoints are often set up in areas near major highways and intersections.

Farmington:

  • Main Street and Broadway Avenue: A popular intersection in the downtown Farmington area, particularly near Main Street and Broadway Avenue, frequently sees DUI checkpoints, especially on weekends when local bars and restaurants are at full capacity.

U.S. Route 64:

  • US 64 near the Highway 170 intersection: This major highway that connects Farmington to Durango, Colorado, is heavily trafficked, and DUI checkpoints are often set up on this road, especially in high-traffic areas.

5. Roswell and Southeast New Mexico

Known for its UFO-related tourism and small-town atmosphere, Roswell in Chaves County has its own share of DUI checkpoints, particularly in its high-traffic areas.

Roswell:

  • Main Street and College Boulevard: This key intersection in downtown Roswell sees a lot of traffic from locals and tourists, especially on weekends. DUI checkpoints are commonly set up here, particularly during festivals or after public events.

U.S. Route 70:

  • US 70 near the Country Club Road: A heavily trafficked route leading through Roswell, U.S. Route 70 sees regular DUI enforcement. Police often set up checkpoints in these areas to catch impaired drivers traveling through the region.

6. Ruidoso and Southeastern New Mexico

Ruidoso, a popular mountain resort area, experiences high traffic during ski season, festivals, and weekend getaways. DUI checkpoints are set up along the highways leading to and from the town to ensure the safety of visitors and locals.

Ruidoso:

  • Sudderth Drive and Mechem Drive: In the heart of Ruidoso, these roads near the ski resorts and mountain lodges frequently see DUI checkpoints, especially after ski season events or during holiday weekends.

U.S. Route 70:

  • US 70 near the Capitan exit: This road leads to Ruidoso from Lincoln County, and DUI checkpoints are often set up on this route to prevent impaired driving, especially during holiday seasons and tourist-heavy times.

7. Taos and Northern New Mexico

The Taos area, known for its artsy vibe and proximity to the Taos Ski Valley, is a popular destination for tourists and seasonal workers. DUI checkpoints are regularly set up in this area to ensure the safety of travelers and locals alike.

Taos:

  • Taos Plaza and Ranchitos Road: The heart of the city, Taos Plaza, along with Ranchitos Road, frequently sees DUI checkpoints, particularly during weekends when bars and restaurants are full. This area also draws many tourists who could be at risk for impaired driving.

U.S. Route 64:

  • US 64 near the Taos Ski Valley: US 64 is the main route from Taos to the Taos Ski Valley, and it often sees checkpoints during ski season when traffic spikes. These checkpoints are vital for ensuring safe travel, especially with impaired drivers heading up to ski resorts.

8. Alamogordo and Southern New Mexico

Alamogordo, located in southern New Mexico, sees significant traffic on its highways as travelers pass through the area. DUI checkpoints are often set up on major routes that lead through the city.

Alamogordo:

  • First Street and White Sands Boulevard: This intersection in Alamogordo is a common location for DUI checkpoints, especially during events and weekends when bars and restaurants are bustling.

U.S. Route 70:

  • US 70 near the Holloman Air Force Base: This major route is frequently patrolled for impaired driving, particularly during weekends when military personnel and civilians are traveling to and from Holloman Air Force Base.

9. Las Vegas and Northern New Mexico

Not to be confused with the larger Las Vegas, New Mexico’s Las Vegas is known for its small-town charm and proximity to state parks. DUI checkpoints are often set up here during times of high traffic, particularly on weekends.

Las Vegas, NM:

  • University Avenue and 7th Street: DUI checkpoints are frequently set up in this area, particularly near New Mexico Highlands University and nearby bars or restaurants.