DUI Checkpoints in New York
| County | City | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | New York | DWI and Driver’s License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location | Labor Day, September 1, 2025 |
| Ontario | Geneva | Sobriety Checkpoint – Lakefront Drive, between Lake Street and entrance to Seneca Lake State Park, Geneva, NY 14456 | Friday, July 11th, 2025, From 7 PM to 12 AM |
| New York | New York | DUI Checkpoint (Exact Location Not Disclosed) | Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26, 2025 | Memorial Day weekend |
| Jefferson | Watertown | DUI patrols and DUI Block at an undisclosed location. | Super Bowl Weekend 2025 |
| Monroe | Rochester | DUI Block and DWI Roving Patrols - Undisclosed Location - All City | Fourth of July 2024 holiday and long weekend |
| New York | Watertown | DUI Checkpoints and DWI Roving Patrols - Undisclosed Location - All City | St. Patrick’s Day weekend 2024 |
New York, one of the most populous states in the U.S., sees a significant number of DUI checkpoints. The state has a robust law enforcement presence, with the New York State Police, local police departments, and county sheriff’s offices working to prevent impaired driving. DUI checkpoints in New York serve as an effective method of deterrence, as well as a means to catch impaired drivers before they cause accidents. The checkpoints are commonly placed at strategic locations based on traffic patterns, accident history, and proximity to bars, entertainment districts, or high-traffic areas. Below is a detailed look at the primary locations where DUI checkpoints are frequently conducted in New York.
1. New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island)
Enforcing Agencies: New York City Police Department (NYPD), New York State Police
New York City is the largest and busiest city in the United States, and law enforcement conducts frequent DUI checkpoints throughout the five boroughs. Some common areas include:
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Manhattan: Particularly around the Lower East Side, Midtown, and around the Times Square area, where nightlife and heavy pedestrian traffic intersect.
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Brooklyn: Areas near Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Downtown Brooklyn experience frequent DUI enforcement, especially during weekends and public holidays.
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Queens: Areas such as Astoria and Long Island City, near the major highways leading into the city, are prime targets for DUI enforcement.
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Staten Island & The Bronx: Due to their proximity to highways and areas popular for bars and restaurants, these boroughs see a heavy presence of DUI checkpoints, especially near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the Throgs Neck Bridge.
Why It’s Targeted: New York City has a very high population density and is known for its nightlife and tourist attractions. Many drivers from out of state or out of the city come to the boroughs for recreation, often after consuming alcohol. Additionally, New York City is home to numerous traffic-related accidents involving impaired drivers, prompting frequent DUI checkpoints to improve road safety.
2. Albany (New York State Capitol and Surrounding Areas)
Enforcing Agencies: Albany Police Department, New York State Police, Albany County Sheriff’s Office
As the state capital, Albany experiences a mixture of commuters, government employees, and university students. DUI checkpoints are often set up around the University at Albany, near the Empire State Plaza, and along major roads like U.S. Route 9 and Interstate 87.
Why It’s Targeted: Albany has a vibrant social scene, with several bars, restaurants, and event venues, particularly near the Capitol District. DUI checkpoints target late-night drivers in these areas, especially during the busy political seasons and university events when alcohol consumption is high.
3. Buffalo (Elmwood Village, Allentown, Downtown Buffalo)
Enforcing Agencies: Buffalo Police Department, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police
Buffalo, located on the shores of Lake Erie, is known for its active nightlife, and DUI checkpoints are commonly set up in popular districts like Elmwood Village, Allentown, and around the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. These areas see a lot of traffic, particularly after sporting events, concerts, and other large gatherings.
Why It’s Targeted: Buffalo’s nightlife and major events make it a hotspot for DUI checkpoints. The city is also located near the Canadian border, and cross-border traffic increases the chances of impaired drivers entering the U.S. from Canada.
4. Long Island (Nassau County, Suffolk County, Hempstead)
Enforcing Agencies: Nassau County Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department, New York State Police
Long Island, with its numerous suburban communities and proximity to New York City, is known for its busy roads and social activities. DUI checkpoints are frequently set up along major routes like Long Island Expressway (I-495), Route 27, and around areas such as Hempstead, Patchogue, and Huntington. The beaches and nightlife in areas like Montauk also attract high levels of traffic, making it a key location for DUI enforcement.
Why It’s Targeted: Long Island has a significant amount of traffic due to its blend of urban and suburban communities, entertainment venues, and beaches. Summer weekends, especially around the Hamptons, are notorious for DUI-related arrests. Law enforcement conducts DUI checkpoints to mitigate the risks of impaired driving in these high-traffic, high-activity areas.
5. Syracuse (Downtown, University Hill, I-81, I-90)
Enforcing Agencies: Syracuse Police Department, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police
Syracuse, located in the central part of the state, frequently conducts DUI checkpoints around University Hill, a popular area for students at Syracuse University, and near major highways like Interstate 81 and Interstate 90. These areas are particularly prone to DUI enforcement due to high concentrations of nightlife and heavy student traffic.
Why It’s Targeted: Syracuse’s college town atmosphere leads to significant alcohol consumption among students, making DUI checkpoints a priority for law enforcement, especially during major events such as football games and university holidays.
6. Rochester (Downtown, Monroe Avenue, East Avenue)
Enforcing Agencies: Rochester Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police
Rochester, another major city in upstate New York, is known for its arts and culture scene, with several popular bars, music venues, and restaurants. DUI checkpoints are set up regularly in downtown Rochester, particularly near Monroe Avenue and East Avenue, which are known for their nightlife and entertainment districts.
Why It’s Targeted: Like other large cities, Rochester faces a significant number of alcohol-related traffic incidents, especially during evening hours. The prevalence of bars and event spaces near major roads increases the risk of impaired drivers, prompting law enforcement to set up regular checkpoints.
7. Westchester County (White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle)
Enforcing Agencies: Westchester County Police Department, New York State Police, Yonkers Police Department
Westchester County, located just north of New York City, has a mix of residential and commercial areas that experience heavy traffic, particularly in cities like White Plains, Yonkers, and New Rochelle. DUI checkpoints are common around these areas, especially along major roads like the Cross County Parkway and Saw Mill River Parkway.
Why It’s Targeted: Westchester County sees a lot of commuter traffic and has several suburban nightlife areas that attract individuals from New York City. DUI checkpoints are frequently conducted during the late evening hours and weekends when impaired driving is more common.
8. Ithaca (Cornell University, State Route 13, U.S. Route 34)
Enforcing Agencies: Ithaca Police Department, Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police
Ithaca, located in the Finger Lakes region, is home to Cornell University and Ithaca College. DUI checkpoints are often set up around the university and along State Route 13 and U.S. Route 34, major roads that lead into the city. With a high concentration of college students, these areas are heavily targeted for DUI enforcement, particularly after social events and during busy university periods.
Why It’s Targeted: As a college town, Ithaca experiences high levels of alcohol consumption, especially among students. DUI checkpoints are essential in maintaining safety in and around the university areas.
9. Saratoga Springs (Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Route 9, Broadway)
Enforcing Agencies: Saratoga Springs Police Department, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police
Known for the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and horse racing at Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs experiences a significant influx of visitors, particularly during the summer. DUI checkpoints are often set up around the entrances to the racecourse and near Route 9 and Broadway, which are busy roads, particularly during events.
Why It’s Targeted: The combination of entertainment and tourism in Saratoga Springs makes it a prime location for DUI checkpoints, particularly after large events where alcohol consumption is high.
10. Albany and the Capital Region (Schenectady, Troy)
Enforcing Agencies: Albany Police Department, Schenectady Police Department, Troy Police Department, New York State Police
In Albany and its neighboring cities, such as Schenectady and Troy, DUI checkpoints are commonly set up in high-traffic areas like the intersections near downtown districts and along major highways such as I-787 and I-90. These cities experience heavy traffic, especially during events at the Times Union Center or the Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center.
Why It’s Targeted: The Capital Region is a hotspot for both government and recreational activities, meaning there’s a high potential for impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies target these areas to ensure public safety.