DUI Checkpoints in Oklahoma
County | City | Location | Date |
---|---|---|---|
Bryan | Durant | The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) is partnering with the ABLE Commission, Durant Police Department, and Bryan County Sheriff's Office to conduct a saturation Patrol in Bryan County. | Saturday, April 12, 2025, From 3 PM to 3 AM |
Bryan | Durant | The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will team up with the Durant Police Department and the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office to conduct sobriety checkpoints and extra patrols. | Saturday, March 1, 2025 From 3 PM to 3 AM |
DUI Checkpoints in Oklahoma: A Detailed Guide to Common Locations
Oklahoma, a state known for its vast open roads, rural communities, and large metropolitan areas, has an active law enforcement presence aimed at curbing impaired driving. DUI checkpoints in Oklahoma are crucial tools in ensuring public safety, especially given the state’s significant number of highways and heavy traffic near major cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa. DUI enforcement is essential in preventing accidents and keeping roads safe for all drivers.
This article dives deep into some of the most common DUI checkpoint locations in Oklahoma, from urban areas to rural stretches, highlighting locations frequently targeted by law enforcement. Whether you live in Oklahoma or are just passing through, being aware of these locations can help you stay safe on the road.
1. Oklahoma City
As the state’s largest city and a central hub for commerce, entertainment, and tourism, Oklahoma City sees frequent DUI checkpoints. Law enforcement regularly sets up checkpoints in high-traffic areas, particularly near entertainment districts, busy intersections, and major highways.
Oklahoma City:
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Broadway Avenue and NW 9th Street: Located near Bricktown, a popular entertainment district, this intersection often sees DUI checkpoints, especially on weekends when people are leaving bars and restaurants after a night out. Officers target this location due to the concentration of nightlife and heavy foot traffic.
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NW 63rd Street and May Avenue: This intersection is another high-traffic area in Oklahoma City, with several businesses and residential areas around it. DUI checkpoints are commonly set up here, especially during the evening and early morning hours, to catch drivers who may have been drinking at local bars and clubs.
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Interstate 40 and I-44: As two of the major interstates that run through Oklahoma City, these highways are frequent locations for sobriety checkpoints. Law enforcement sets up checkpoints along these interstates during peak traffic hours, especially after major events, to catch impaired drivers traveling through the area.
Interstate 35:
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I-35 North and South of Oklahoma City: This interstate runs through Oklahoma City and is frequently used by travelers heading to or from the city. DUI checkpoints are common along I-35, especially during busy travel periods such as holidays and weekends.
2. Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma’s second-largest city, has a growing nightlife scene and a bustling downtown area, which results in frequent DUI enforcement. Law enforcement often sets up checkpoints in areas where alcohol consumption is high, such as near bars, concert venues, and busy intersections.
Tulsa:
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South Lewis Avenue and 61st Street: This busy intersection near shopping centers and restaurants sees frequent DUI checkpoints. Officers monitor this area late at night, especially on weekends, when people are leaving bars and heading home.
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Admiral Place and Memorial Drive: Located in central Tulsa, this intersection sees a lot of traffic, especially at night. DUI checkpoints are often set up here to catch drivers who have been drinking or driving under the influence of drugs.
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Interstate 244 and U.S. Route 169: As key routes through Tulsa, I-244 and U.S. Route 169 frequently have DUI checkpoints, particularly during rush hour or after major events. These roads connect various neighborhoods and are used by both locals and travelers, making them prime locations for DUI enforcement.
3. Norman
Home to the University of Oklahoma, Norman sees a high volume of young drivers, many of whom are college students. DUI checkpoints are regularly set up to prevent impaired driving, particularly around campus and on major roads leading in and out of the city.
Norman:
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Main Street and Norman Avenue: This busy intersection is near popular restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. DUI checkpoints are often set up here, especially during late-night hours when students and young adults are leaving campus events or bars.
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State Highway 9 and 24th Avenue SW: This area is often targeted for DUI enforcement, especially during weekends and holidays, when there is a higher risk of impaired driving due to local events and parties.
4. Lawton
As one of Oklahoma’s largest cities, Lawton also has its share of DUI checkpoints. The city is located near the Fort Sill Army Base, and traffic can be particularly heavy around the base’s entrance and exit points.
Lawton:
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Cache Road and 11th Street: A major intersection in Lawton, this location sees DUI checkpoints, particularly during the evening hours when traffic is higher and alcohol consumption is more prevalent. Officers often target this area due to its proximity to bars, restaurants, and military personnel.
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Interstate 44 near Lawton: DUI checkpoints are frequently set up on I-44 near Lawton, especially during long weekends or after large local events. This highway connects Lawton to other major cities in Oklahoma and is used by both residents and travelers passing through.
5. Stillwater
Home to Oklahoma State University, Stillwater sees a lot of young drivers on the road, particularly during school events and sporting activities. DUI checkpoints are common near the campus and in areas surrounding popular student hangouts.
Stillwater:
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Hall of Fame Avenue and Washington Street: As a central area in Stillwater, this intersection is often used for DUI checkpoints, particularly during home football games or major university events. Officers are on the lookout for students or young drivers who might be driving under the influence.
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Main Street and Perkins Road: This intersection near the university is another hotspot for DUI checkpoints, especially after late-night events when students are leaving bars and clubs.
6. Rural Oklahoma
Despite the state’s urban centers like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, rural Oklahoma also faces DUI-related issues, particularly along highways and secondary roads. Law enforcement regularly sets up DUI checkpoints along less-traveled routes, targeting areas where impaired drivers may be more difficult to detect.
U.S. Route 66:
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U.S. Route 66 near El Reno: Known as the “Mother Road,” U.S. Route 66 runs through Oklahoma and is a popular route for both locals and tourists. DUI checkpoints are often set up along this historic highway, particularly in more rural areas where law enforcement presence may be lower.
U.S. Route 62:
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US 62 near Norman and Chickasha: Another major highway running through Oklahoma, U.S. Route 62 is frequently targeted for DUI checkpoints, especially during the evening hours when alcohol consumption increases.
7. Other Common DUI Checkpoint Locations
In addition to the specific cities and highways mentioned above, there are several other places in Oklahoma where DUI checkpoints are regularly set up. These locations include major intersections in suburban areas, near colleges, or close to popular event venues.
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Interstate 40 Near Shawnee: This interstate is a vital highway in eastern Oklahoma and is often patrolled for impaired drivers. DUI checkpoints are commonly set up along I-40 near Shawnee, especially during busy travel times.
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U.S. Route 281 Near Anadarko: This rural highway is often targeted by law enforcement, particularly during major holidays or weekend travel periods, to catch impaired drivers heading to or from Oklahoma City or other destinations.
Conclusion
Oklahoma has a robust network of DUI checkpoints throughout the state, from busy metropolitan areas like Oklahoma City and Tulsa to the rural stretches along highways like U.S. Route 66 and Interstate 44. Law enforcement in Oklahoma remains vigilant in ensuring that impaired driving is minimized, not just in high-traffic areas but across the entire state.
For both residents and travelers, staying sober behind the wheel is the best way to avoid a DUI arrest and ensure everyone’s safety. Always plan ahead—whether through designating a driver, using ride-sharing services, or arranging for alternate transportation if you plan on drinking. Remember, the consequences of a DUI arrest in Oklahoma can be severe, affecting your freedom, finances, and safety.