DUI Checkpoints in North Carolina

County	City	Location	Date
Cumberland	Fayetteville	DUI Checkpoint - 2400 block of Hope Mills Road	July 3 2024 From 9:30 PM to 3 AM
Union		DUI checkpoints on Route 45	Memorial Day weekend 2024
Wake	Raleigh	Peace St. vicinity of Capital Blvd.	Fri Aug 4, 2023

North Carolina, known for its picturesque landscapes, bustling cities, and beautiful coastal areas, faces a significant challenge in keeping its roads safe from impaired drivers. DUI checkpoints are an essential tool in this effort, serving as a proactive measure to prevent impaired driving and reduce alcohol-related accidents. Law enforcement agencies across the state conduct regular DUI checkpoints, especially in areas with high traffic volume, popular nightlife, and major highways.

This article provides a detailed guide to some of the most common DUI checkpoint locations across North Carolina, explaining why these areas are targeted and how they contribute to road safety.

1. Charlotte (Mecklenburg County)

As North Carolina’s largest city, Charlotte sees substantial traffic congestion, both from local residents and travelers passing through. DUI checkpoints in Charlotte are frequently set up near busy intersections, highways, and entertainment districts where drivers are more likely to be impaired.

Charlotte:

Interstate 77 and East Morehead Street: A major intersection near downtown Charlotte, this location sees heavy traffic, especially during rush hour and evenings when people are heading out for social events. DUI checkpoints are commonly set up here, particularly after work and on weekends.
South Tryon Street and West Bland Street: Located in the heart of Charlotte’s nightlife district, this intersection is a popular spot for DUI checkpoints, especially during late-night hours when patrons are leaving bars and restaurants.
North Graham Street and 16th Street: A significant junction near the NoDa (North Davidson) District, known for its art scene and nightlife. DUI enforcement is common here, particularly after large events or on weekends.

2. Raleigh (Wake County)

The state capital, Raleigh, located in the Research Triangle, has a thriving population and a busy downtown area with numerous bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. DUI checkpoints are strategically placed in areas with high pedestrian and vehicle traffic, aiming to curb impaired driving.

Raleigh:

Interstate 40 and South Saunders Street: One of Raleigh’s busiest intersections, this location is regularly monitored by DUI checkpoints, particularly during the evening hours when traffic volume increases, and alcohol-related incidents are more likely.
Hillsborough Street and Gardner Street: Situated near the North Carolina State University campus and popular student bars, DUI checkpoints are frequently set up around this area, especially after student events or weekends.
Glenwood Avenue and Millbrook Road: This high-traffic intersection, near popular retail areas, is another common location for DUI enforcement, particularly in the evening and early morning hours.

3. Greensboro (Guilford County)

Greensboro, located in the central part of North Carolina, is a city with a mix of suburban and urban characteristics. DUI checkpoints in Greensboro are often set up near highways, business districts, and entertainment areas, targeting drivers during the late evening hours and weekends.

Greensboro:

Interstate 40 and West Market Street: This well-traveled intersection connects Greensboro with other major cities. DUI checkpoints are often conducted here, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, when bar and restaurant traffic peaks.
Battleground Avenue and West Gate City Boulevard: A popular area for shopping, dining, and nightlife, DUI checkpoints are commonly set up in this area to catch impaired drivers during the late-night hours.
East Wendover Avenue and South Holden Road: This intersection, located near major residential and commercial areas, is frequently monitored for DUI activity, especially on weekends when traffic from bars and social events increases.

4. Durham (Durham County)

Durham, another key city in the Research Triangle, is home to Duke University and a vibrant downtown area. With a large student population and active nightlife, DUI checkpoints are often set up to target impaired drivers in and around popular hangout spots.

Durham:

Interstate 85 and Roxboro Street: A critical intersection in Durham, DUI checkpoints are often set up here, particularly during the late-night hours and weekends when students and locals head out to bars and restaurants.
University Drive and Holloway Street: Close to both Duke University and North Carolina Central University, this area sees a lot of student traffic. DUI enforcement is common here, particularly after university events or on weekends.
West Main Street and South Mangum Street: This downtown intersection, which connects several key areas of Durham, is often targeted for DUI checkpoints, especially in the evening after nightlife events.

5. Wilmington (New Hanover County)

Wilmington, located on the coast, is a popular tourist destination with a rich history and vibrant nightlife. DUI checkpoints in Wilmington are set up in both residential and tourist-heavy areas, especially around the weekend and holiday seasons when alcohol-related incidents are more common.

Wilmington:

Interstate 40 and College Road: This busy junction, connecting Wilmington to nearby areas, is frequently used for DUI checkpoints, particularly during the evening when travelers and locals are returning from social events.
South Front Street and Red Cross Street: Located near the historic downtown area, this intersection is a hotspot for DUI enforcement, particularly after late-night activities when bars and restaurants close.
U.S. Route 17 and Eastwood Road: This major intersection near Wilmington International Airport and several popular businesses sees high traffic and is frequently monitored for DUI activity, particularly during late-night hours.

6. Asheville (Buncombe County)

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for its unique arts scene, breweries, and outdoor activities. DUI checkpoints are often set up in and around Asheville’s entertainment districts, especially during weekends when alcohol consumption tends to rise.

Asheville:

Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 25: A key intersection connecting Asheville to nearby towns, DUI checkpoints are commonly set up in this area, particularly during peak hours when people are returning from events or going out for the night.
South Lexington Avenue and Haywood Street: A popular area in downtown Asheville, known for its craft breweries and vibrant nightlife. DUI checkpoints are regularly held in this area to target drivers who may have consumed alcohol.
Tunnel Road and Beverly Road: This major intersection sees a lot of commuter traffic, making it a prime location for DUI enforcement, especially on weekends when residents are returning home after social events.

7. Other Common DUI Checkpoint Areas in North Carolina

In addition to the larger cities, DUI checkpoints are also frequently conducted in suburban and rural areas throughout North Carolina. These checkpoints are typically set up near busy intersections, highways, and locations that see high traffic volume, particularly on weekends and holidays.

U.S. Route 64 near Apex: A major highway that runs through Apex, this location often sees DUI checkpoints, especially on weekends when drivers traveling from Raleigh or other areas are headed into the town.
Route 70 near Goldsboro: Known for heavy truck traffic and close proximity to nearby residential areas, DUI checkpoints are frequently set up here, especially during the late evening hours.
Interstate 95 near Fayetteville: One of the busiest highways in North Carolina, I-95 is frequently targeted for DUI checkpoints, particularly in areas where truck traffic and local commuters intersect.
Route 52 near Mount Airy: A highway in the northern part of North Carolina, this area sees DUI checkpoints set up during the evening hours, particularly on weekends when local nightlife activity peaks.

Conclusion

DUI checkpoints are a critical tool in North Carolina’s efforts to prevent impaired driving and protect road users. The locations mentioned above are some of the most commonly targeted areas for DUI enforcement, but law enforcement agencies across the state regularly set up checkpoints in various other locations based on traffic volume, accident rates, and local events.

As a driver, it’s important to be aware of these common checkpoint areas and, more importantly, to make responsible choices. Never drink and drive—always plan ahead by designating a driver, using public transportation, or using a ride-sharing service if you plan on consuming alcohol. Your actions could save lives, including your own and others on the road.