DUI Checkpoints in North Dakota
| County | City | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| McHenry | McHenry | Sobriety checkpoint will be conducted in conjunction with the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office in McHenry County | Friday, September 20, 2024 |
| Stutsman | Stutsman | NDHP and Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office conduct a sobriety checkpoint on Stutsman County Road 42 | Friday, August 23, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Cass | Undisclosed | Undisclosed location in Cass County | Saturday, May 18, 2024 |
North Dakota may not have as high a population density or the same level of traffic as some of the more populous states, but impaired driving still remains a serious concern. DUI checkpoints in North Dakota are strategically placed by law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the state’s roads. These checkpoints are often deployed in areas with a high incidence of alcohol-related crashes, busy highways, or places where gatherings are frequent, such as bars, festivals, or concert venues.
Law enforcement agencies involved in DUI checkpoints in North Dakota include the North Dakota Highway Patrol, local police departments, and county sheriff’s offices. Below is a detailed breakdown of some of the common DUI checkpoint locations across the state.
1. Fargo (Downtown, University Drive, I-94)
Enforcing Agencies: Fargo Police Department, North Dakota Highway Patrol
Fargo, the largest city in North Dakota, is home to a vibrant downtown area with a growing number of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. DUI checkpoints are often set up in and around the downtown district, particularly near University Drive and Interstate 94 (I-94). These areas see heavy traffic, especially on weekends and during local events such as concerts, sporting events, and festivals.
Why It’s Targeted: Fargo’s downtown area, home to a number of bars and clubs, attracts many drivers who may be impaired after consuming alcohol. Additionally, I-94 is a major highway that connects Fargo to other cities in the region, making it a prime location for DUI enforcement.
2. Bismarck (State Capitol Area, U.S. Route 83, U.S. Route 10)
Enforcing Agencies: Bismarck Police Department, Burleigh County Sheriff’s Office, North Dakota Highway Patrol
As the state capital, Bismarck sees a combination of government traffic, local commuters, and tourists passing through the city. DUI checkpoints in Bismarck are commonly located near the State Capitol area and along major routes such as U.S. Route 83 and U.S. Route 10, which are key roads connecting the city to other parts of the state and region.
Why It’s Targeted: The combination of local events, state government activities, and the high volume of traffic on major highways makes Bismarck a common location for DUI checkpoints. These areas are frequently targeted to reduce the potential for impaired driving.
3. Minot (Downtown, U.S. Route 83, U.S. Route 2)
Enforcing Agencies: Minot Police Department, Ward County Sheriff’s Office, North Dakota Highway Patrol
Minot, known for the North Dakota State Fair and its proximity to Minot Air Force Base, regularly hosts large events, which can lead to higher instances of impaired driving. DUI checkpoints in Minot are typically located in the downtown area, along U.S. Route 83 and U.S. Route 2, which are major roads connecting Minot to other cities and rural areas in the region.
Why It’s Targeted: Minot’s population swells during fair season and other major events, leading to increased alcohol consumption. The large number of out-of-town visitors increases the risk of impaired driving, and DUI checkpoints are set up in response to this risk, particularly near major routes leading into the city.
4. Grand Forks (University of North Dakota Area, U.S. Route 2, I-29)
Enforcing Agencies: Grand Forks Police Department, Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office, North Dakota Highway Patrol
Grand Forks is a college town, home to the University of North Dakota (UND), where students often engage in nightlife activities. DUI checkpoints are frequently set up near the university, especially around major intersections, U.S. Route 2, and Interstate 29, which are the main routes leading into and out of the city.
Why It’s Targeted: The university area and the nearby nightlife venues make Grand Forks an area of high concern for impaired driving. College students often make up a significant portion of those arrested for DUI offenses. DUI checkpoints in these areas are aimed at preventing alcohol-related incidents, especially during weekends and university events.
5. Dickinson (Main Street, U.S. Route 22, I-94)
Enforcing Agencies: Dickinson Police Department, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, North Dakota Highway Patrol
Dickinson, located in the western part of the state, is known for its proximity to oil fields and the Bakken formation, which has brought a large workforce to the area. DUI checkpoints are commonly set up around Main Street, U.S. Route 22, and Interstate 94. These locations see heavy traffic from both local residents and oil industry workers.
Why It’s Targeted: The influx of workers from the oil industry and the presence of a developing local economy means that Dickinson sees a mix of residents and transient workers who may engage in social drinking. DUI checkpoints are important in reducing the number of impaired drivers on the roads, especially during after-work hours and weekends.
6. Williston (Main Street, U.S. Route 2, U.S. Route 85)
Enforcing Agencies: Williston Police Department, Williams County Sheriff’s Office, North Dakota Highway Patrol
Like Dickinson, Williston is another city that has seen rapid growth due to the oil boom. DUI checkpoints in Williston are typically set up along Main Street, U.S. Route 2, and U.S. Route 85, all of which are major thoroughfares for residents and workers traveling in and out of the area.
Why It’s Targeted: Williston’s growth due to the oil boom has led to increased traffic, and local law enforcement regularly conducts DUI checkpoints to ensure that drivers who may be impaired after long work shifts or social gatherings are kept off the roads. These checkpoints target high-traffic areas during evenings and weekends, particularly near bars and event venues.
7. Jamestown (U.S. Route 281, U.S. Route 52)
Enforcing Agencies: Jamestown Police Department, Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office, North Dakota Highway Patrol
Jamestown, located in central North Dakota, is known for its agricultural industry and small-town atmosphere. DUI checkpoints in Jamestown are typically set up along U.S. Route 281 and U.S. Route 52, which are key highways connecting the city to other parts of the state.
Why It’s Targeted: While Jamestown may not have the same level of nightlife activity as larger cities, its location along major highways makes it a hotspot for DUI enforcement. Checkpoints in the area help target impaired drivers traveling between rural and urban areas, especially during agricultural events and community gatherings.
8. Fargo-Moorhead Metro Area (Including Moorhead, MN)
Enforcing Agencies: Fargo Police Department, Moorhead Police Department, North Dakota Highway Patrol
The Fargo-Moorhead metro area, which includes parts of neighboring Minnesota, is a major population center in the region. DUI checkpoints are often set up at key locations near the state border, particularly around Interstate 94 and U.S. Route 10, which connect the two cities. The proximity to the border means that many drivers cross state lines frequently, and law enforcement agencies from both states collaborate on DUI enforcement.
Why It’s Targeted: The Fargo-Moorhead area sees a mix of urban traffic, university students, and regional commuters. DUI checkpoints are set up in areas where alcohol consumption is most likely, such as around bars, events, and large venues that attract out-of-town visitors. These checkpoints aim to reduce impaired driving incidents between North Dakota and Minnesota.
9. Red River Valley (Including U.S. Route 75)
Enforcing Agencies: Grand Forks Police Department, North Dakota Highway Patrol
The Red River Valley, stretching across the state’s eastern border with Minnesota, is home to a mix of rural communities and urban centers like Grand Forks. DUI checkpoints are set up along major roads like U.S. Route 75, which runs parallel to the Red River, and U.S. Route 2, a busy route for both local and out-of-state traffic.
Why It’s Targeted: The valley sees a high level of cross-border traffic, especially along U.S. Route 75. Checkpoints in this area are particularly effective for targeting drivers traveling between North Dakota and Minnesota, especially during holidays and weekends when alcohol-related incidents spike.
DUI checkpoints in North Dakota are crucial in combating impaired driving, especially given the state’s mix of urban centers, college towns, rural areas, and busy highways. Law enforcement agencies such as the North Dakota Highway Patrol, local police departments, and county sheriff’s offices are dedicated to keeping the state’s roads safe by conducting regular checkpoints in high-risk areas. Drivers in North Dakota should be aware of these locations and take care to drive responsibly, ensuring the safety of themselves, their passengers, and others on the road.