DUI Checkpoints in South Carolina

County	City	Location	Date
Dorchester	Summerville	DUI Checkpoints & Extra Patrols in Brighton Park Blvd & Nexton Pkwy Area – South Carolina 29486	July 3, 2025 From 6 PM to Midnight
Dorchester	Summerville	DUI Checkpoint and extra patrols at West Carolina Avenue	Friday, May 23, 2025 From 6 PM to 2 AM
Dorchester	Summerville	DUI Block at South Main Street	Friday, May 23, 2025 From 6 PM to 2 AM
Dorchester	Summerville	DUI Police Checkpoint at Brighton Park Drive	Friday, May 23, 2025 From 6 PM to 2 AM
Charleston	Charleston	DUI Checkpoint at Folly Road Near Albemarle Road and Calhoun Street near Pitt Street.	March 27, 2025 From 9 PM to Midnight
Dorchester	Summerville	The Summerville Police Department will conduct DUI patrols and checkpoints on Friday as St. Patrick’s Day festivities begin. The checkpoint locations will be at the Stallsville Loop between Bacons Bridge Road and Old Trolley Road and South Main Street at South Hampton Street.	Friday March 14, 2025, From 6:00 PM - 3:00 AM

Top DUI Checkpoint Locations in South Carolina

South Carolina, like many other states, has a comprehensive approach to reducing impaired driving. The state’s DUI checkpoints are typically set up in high-traffic, high-risk areas, often near nightlife districts, busy highways, and areas with a history of DUI incidents. Below is a detailed guide on some of the most commonly targeted DUI checkpoint locations across South Carolina.

1. Charleston Area

Charleston, as the largest city in South Carolina, sees frequent DUI enforcement, especially due to its bustling tourism industry and vibrant nightlife.

Downtown Charleston:

King Street and Meeting Street: A primary nightlife hub, frequented by both locals and tourists, making it a popular area for DUI checkpoints, particularly on weekends.
East Bay Street: A major thoroughfare with bars and restaurants, often subject to roving patrols and checkpoints.
Rutledge Avenue and Broad Street: High-traffic streets near bars and restaurants with frequent DUI checkpoints during late evenings and weekends.

West Ashley:

Savannah Highway (U.S. 17): Frequently patrolled due to its proximity to local establishments and residential areas.
Ashley River Road: Often targeted for checkpoints during evening hours when traffic is highest.

2. Columbia Area

As South Carolina’s state capital, Columbia sees significant DUI enforcement, especially near the University of South Carolina and the downtown area, where many bars, restaurants, and events attract large crowds.

Downtown Columbia:

Main Street and Gervais Street: A bustling area filled with restaurants, nightlife, and college students, making it a prime spot for DUI checkpoints.
Greene Street and Sumter Street: Close to the University of South Carolina, these streets are regularly patrolled for DUI violations, especially during major events and weekend nights.
Assembly Street: A busy thoroughfare that often sees checkpoints near the State House and the University.

Interstate 26 and I-20:

I-26 at Broad River Road: This busy interstate exit sees DUI checkpoints due to the high volume of commuter traffic and nearby bars and clubs.
I-20 near the exit for U.S. Route 1: Known for having checkpoints set up during late-night hours, especially after major events or weekends.

3. Greenville and Spartanburg

This upstate region, including Greenville and Spartanburg, has seen an increase in DUI checkpoints due to growing populations and urbanization. Police in these areas are vigilant, especially on weekends when bars and nightlife areas are busiest.

Greenville:

Poinsett Highway (U.S. 276): This road runs through Greenville’s downtown area and sees high traffic volumes, making it a prime location for DUI enforcement.
North Pleasantburg Drive: Due to high traffic and its proximity to restaurants and bars, this is another frequent DUI checkpoint location.
I-85 at I-385 Interchange: The intersection of these two major highways, often referred to as the “Golden Strip,” is targeted for DUI enforcement, especially during peak hours.

Spartanburg:

Church Street (U.S. 29): A major corridor with bars, restaurants, and easy access to surrounding neighborhoods, this area often sees DUI checkpoints on Friday and Saturday nights.
Highway 56 near Spartanburg Memorial Airport: Known for both DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols due to its proximity to local bars and heavy traffic.

4. Myrtle Beach Area

As a major tourist destination, Myrtle Beach attracts a lot of traffic year-round, especially during holidays, festivals, and weekends. Law enforcement frequently conducts DUI checkpoints in the area to curb drunk driving accidents.

Myrtle Beach:

Kings Highway (U.S. Route 17): This main road runs through the heart of Myrtle Beach, passing by hotels, restaurants, and entertainment districts, making it a prime location for DUI checkpoints.
South Ocean Boulevard: This coastal street, lined with beach hotels and restaurants, is a popular DUI checkpoint area, especially late at night.
Pawleys Island and North Myrtle Beach: Both areas, being tourist-heavy, see DUI checkpoints near the beach bars and coastal roadways.

Highway 501 and Highway 17 Bypass:

These highways often see DUI checkpoints during weekends and after major events like concerts or festivals. Officers use these high-traffic areas to intercept potential DUI offenders.

5. Beaufort and Hilton Head Island

These coastal cities attract many tourists throughout the year, and DUI enforcement is common in areas where people gather to drink and socialize.

Beaufort:

Boundary Street (U.S. Route 21): DUI checkpoints are often set up along this road, which runs through the city’s historic downtown and connects to the main highways leading out of town.
Ribaut Road: Frequently targeted for DUI enforcement due to nearby nightlife and dining areas.

Hilton Head Island:

Palmetto Bay Road: Hilton Head Island’s busy roadways, especially near the beaches and restaurants, see checkpoints aimed at reducing drunk driving in the area.
U.S. Route 278: A major route that connects Hilton Head Island to the mainland and is known for its frequent DUI patrols.

6. Lowcountry and Southern South Carolina

In the southern regions of South Carolina, DUI checkpoints are typically focused on high-traffic rural areas and coastal roads.

Route 17 (Charleston to Savannah):

Beaufort County, Colleton County, and Jasper County: This scenic coastal highway, often traveled by tourists and locals alike, is commonly patrolled for DUI violations.
Santee and Walterboro: Small towns along this route are frequently targeted for DUI checkpoints during high-traffic times like holidays and weekends.

U.S. Route 21:

St. Helena Island to Port Royal: Frequent DUI checkpoints are set up along this route to curb impaired driving on roads leading to popular beach areas.

7. Upstate South Carolina

The more rural and mountainous parts of South Carolina are less populated, but DUI checkpoints are still frequently set up on major roads and highways.

Anderson and Oconee Counties:

U.S. Route 76 and Route 28: Popular roads in this region, especially near the lakes and recreational areas, are often targeted for DUI enforcement.
Interstate 85 in Spartanburg: A major highway used by commuters from the North and South, frequently patrolled for impaired drivers.

Clemson:

U.S. Route 123: A major route for students and sports fans traveling to and from Clemson University, often patrolled for DUI offenses.
Old Greenville Highway: Another busy road, especially around game days, where DUI enforcement is strong.

8. Colleton County and Orangeburg Area

Both these areas are located along the I-95 corridor, a well-traveled route for tourists and commuters.

I-95 at U.S. Route 15 (Orangeburg): Checkpoints are common here due to high traffic and its proximity to the commercial centers in both Orangeburg and nearby towns.
I-95 through Walterboro: Checkpoints are often set up along this interstate as it is a major route through the state.

Final Thoughts

South Carolina’s DUI checkpoints are strategically placed to deter drunk driving and increase safety across the state. Whether you’re heading to a weekend event in Charleston, a beach trip to Myrtle Beach, or a college visit in Columbia, it’s crucial to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, or use rideshare services. The consequences of getting caught driving under the influence are severe, not only for your personal safety but for the safety of others on the road.

By staying informed about these checkpoint locations, you can make better choices while driving and ensure that you never put yourself or others at risk.