DUI Checkpoints in South Dakota
| County | City | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beadle, Brown, Brule, Codington, Davison, Day, Hughes, Lawrence, Lincoln, Minnehaha, Moody, Pennington, and Yankton counties | Undisclosed | The South Dakota Highway Patrol will conduct sobriety checkpoints in 13 counties during August. The checkpoints will be in Beadle, Brown, Brule, Codington, Davison, Day, Hughes, Lawrence, Lincoln, Minnehaha, Moody, Pennington, and Yankton counties. | August 2025 | Evening to Night |
| Beadle, Charles Mix, Codington, Custer, Davison, Edmunds, Jones, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marshall, Meade, Minnehaha, Moody, Spink, Stanley, Union, and Yankton. | Undisclosed | The South Dakota Highway Patrol has announced plans to set up DUI checkpoints in 17 counties across the state throughout the month of July. These checkpoints are part of their ongoing effort to keep roads safe and reduce impaired driving. | July 2025 | Evening to Night |
| Beadle, Brookings, Brule, Butte, Codington, Day, Hanson, Hughes, Jackson, Jerauld, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pennington, and Union. | Undisclosed | The locations of the DUI checkpoints are based on data that shows impaired driving-related crashes. | June 2025 | Evening to Night |
| Brown, Charles Mix, Codington, Hughes, Jerauld, Jones, Lawrence, Meade, Minnehaha, Moody, Pennington, Roberts, Spink, and Yankton. | Undisclosed | The South Dakota Highway Patrol has announced that sobriety checkpoints will be conducted in 14 different counties throughout the state during May. | May 2025 |
| Beadle, Bennett, Brule, Butte, Clay, Codington, Davison, Day, Hughes, Meade, Minnehaha, Moody, Pennington, and Walworth | Undisclosed | The Highway Patrol will set up DUI checkpoints this month in several South Dakota counties, including Beadle, Bennett, Brule, Butte, Clay, Codington, Davison, Day, Hughes, Meade, Minnehaha, Moody, Pennington, and Walworth. These checkpoints help prevent drunk driving and are funded by the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety. The Highway Patrol runs them with help from local law enforcement. | April 2025 |
South Dakota, known for its vast landscapes and rural roads, has its own set of challenges when it comes to impaired driving. While the state is less populated compared to some others, the need for DUI enforcement remains just as crucial. DUI checkpoints in South Dakota are strategically placed by local law enforcement agencies to curb impaired driving, particularly in areas where there is a high volume of traffic, such as near bars, festivals, and popular tourist spots.
Law enforcement agencies involved in DUI checkpoints in South Dakota include the South Dakota Highway Patrol, local police departments, and county sheriff’s offices. These agencies work together to conduct DUI enforcement operations across the state, ensuring that drivers under the influence do not endanger themselves or others.
Below is a detailed breakdown of some common DUI checkpoint locations across South Dakota.
1. Sioux Falls (I-29, I-90, 41st Street, Western Avenue)
Enforcing Agencies: Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol
Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota, is a busy hub of commercial, entertainment, and residential activity. DUI checkpoints in Sioux Falls are often set up along major thoroughfares, particularly Interstate 29, Interstate 90, 41st Street, and Western Avenue. These locations are heavily trafficked by both local commuters and travelers passing through the city.
Why It’s Targeted: Sioux Falls has a large population and many local events, including concerts, festivals, and a bustling nightlife. DUI checkpoints are often set up around the downtown area, where bars and restaurants are concentrated, and along the highways that connect Sioux Falls to other cities. These locations are highly trafficked, and DUI enforcement is focused on ensuring drivers are not impaired while on the road.
2. Rapid City (I-90, 5th Street, 8th Street, North LaCrosse Street)
Enforcing Agencies: Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol
Rapid City is located in the western part of the state and serves as a gateway to popular tourist attractions like Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. DUI checkpoints are often placed near major roadways, such as Interstate 90, 5th Street, 8th Street, and North LaCrosse Street, which connect the city to surrounding areas and national parks.
Why It’s Targeted: With its proximity to national parks and tourist destinations, Rapid City sees a lot of out-of-state traffic, especially during the summer months. The city also has a busy downtown area, which means that there is frequent alcohol consumption, especially during events and weekends. DUI checkpoints in Rapid City aim to reduce the risk of impaired driving accidents, particularly on major routes leading in and out of the city.
3. Pierre (U.S. Route 14, U.S. Route 83)
Enforcing Agencies: Pierre Police Department, Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol
Pierre, the state capital, is located in the central part of South Dakota and has a small, tight-knit community. DUI checkpoints are typically set up along U.S. Route 14 and U.S. Route 83, which are the primary highways passing through the city.
Why It’s Targeted: While Pierre is smaller than Sioux Falls or Rapid City, it still experiences heavy traffic during legislative sessions and special events. These routes are key for local commuters and travelers heading to the state capital for business, and DUI checkpoints ensure that impaired driving doesn’t pose a threat to public safety.
4. Brookings (I-29, U.S. Route 14)
Enforcing Agencies: Brookings Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol
Brookings is a college town, home to South Dakota State University, and it frequently sees an influx of college students and young adults. DUI checkpoints are often set up around the university area and along major routes such as I-29 and U.S. Route 14, which are main arteries for traffic traveling to and from the city.
Why It’s Targeted: College towns like Brookings have higher instances of impaired driving due to the active social scene among students. DUI checkpoints are established near popular bars, university events, and areas where large numbers of students congregate. These checkpoints are critical in preventing drunk driving incidents, especially on weekends when student events or sports games take place.
5. Aberdeen (U.S. Route 12, U.S. Route 281)
Enforcing Agencies: Aberdeen Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol
Aberdeen, located in the northeastern part of South Dakota, sees significant traffic on U.S. Route 12 and U.S. Route 281, both of which run through the city. DUI checkpoints are commonly set up on these roads, which connect Aberdeen to other cities in the state and beyond.
Why It’s Targeted: Aberdeen, with its population of just over 28,000, is a key trade and agricultural hub. DUI checkpoints here are often focused on reducing alcohol-related accidents among those traveling between towns or headed out for social events in the downtown area. U.S. Route 12, which connects South Dakota to Minnesota, is a frequently used route by drivers coming in from neighboring states, and law enforcement keeps a close eye on impaired driving in these areas.
6. Watertown (U.S. Route 81, U.S. Route 212)
Enforcing Agencies: Watertown Police Department, Codington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol
Watertown, located in the northeastern part of the state, experiences high traffic volumes on U.S. Route 81 and U.S. Route 212. DUI checkpoints in Watertown are typically set up near these busy routes, which serve as important transportation corridors for both local residents and travelers passing through the region.
Why It’s Targeted: Watertown’s location along key highways makes it a prime spot for DUI enforcement. DUI checkpoints are designed to catch impaired drivers traveling into or out of the city, especially on weekends and during busy travel seasons. These areas are frequented by drivers heading to social events or taking long road trips, making impaired driving a particular concern.
7. Huron (U.S. Route 14, U.S. Route 281)
Enforcing Agencies: Huron Police Department, Beadle County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol
Huron, located in the southeastern part of South Dakota, is another city that sees DUI enforcement around major roadways like U.S. Route 14 and U.S. Route 281. These highways are vital for local travel and serve as routes for those passing through Huron on longer trips.
Why It’s Targeted: As a smaller city, Huron’s local population is enhanced by visitors traveling to local events, fairs, and gatherings. The high volume of traffic during events such as the South Dakota State Fair, which takes place annually in Huron, means that law enforcement often sets up DUI checkpoints in these areas to keep the roads safe.
8. Yankton (U.S. Route 81, U.S. Route 46)
Enforcing Agencies: Yankton Police Department, Yankton County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol
Yankton, located near the Missouri River, has a number of recreational spots, including lakes and parks, which can attract large crowds during the warmer months. DUI checkpoints are often conducted along U.S. Route 81 and U.S. Route 46, which are the main highways connecting Yankton to other cities and nearby states.
Why It’s Targeted: Yankton’s location along major routes and its proximity to recreational areas means that people are more likely to engage in alcohol consumption during events or while visiting the lakes. DUI checkpoints are set up around these areas to target impaired drivers, especially during holidays and weekends when the area experiences higher traffic volume.
9. Mitchell (I-90, U.S. Route 81)
Enforcing Agencies: Mitchell Police Department, Davison County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol
Mitchell, a city in southeastern South Dakota, is known for the Corn Palace, which attracts tourists year-round. DUI checkpoints in Mitchell are frequently set up along I-90 and U.S. Route 81, which are two major thoroughfares in the area.
Why It’s Targeted: As a major stop on I-90, Mitchell sees a lot of traffic, including tourists visiting the Corn Palace and other local attractions. The city also experiences an influx of drivers on weekends, during holiday seasons, and especially during community events. DUI checkpoints are established in these high-traffic areas to ensure that drivers are not impaired.
10. Statewide Highway Areas (I-90, I-29, U.S. Route 12)
Enforcing Agencies: South Dakota Highway Patrol
While specific cities and towns are targeted, DUI checkpoints are also set up across South Dakota’s highways, particularly on I-90, I-29, and U.S. Route 12. These routes are heavily traveled by both locals and out-of-state drivers.
Why It’s Targeted: DUI checkpoints are established on these routes to monitor long-distance travelers for impaired driving. With major events taking place in cities along these highways, law enforcement works to ensure safety across South Dakota’s roadways, particularly during high-traffic times like holidays, weekends, and local festivals.