DUI Checkpoints in Vermont
| County | City | Location | Date |
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Vermont is known for its picturesque landscapes, including its rolling hills, vibrant fall foliage, and quaint small towns. However, like many other states, Vermont faces the issue of impaired driving, particularly in areas with high traffic volumes or in popular tourist destinations. To reduce the occurrence of impaired driving and prevent alcohol-related accidents, law enforcement agencies in Vermont conduct DUI checkpoints across various regions of the state.
The primary agencies involved in DUI enforcement include the Vermont State Police, local police departments, and county sheriff’s offices. These agencies work together to identify impaired drivers and ensure that the roads remain safe for all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Below is a detailed breakdown of some common DUI checkpoint locations in Vermont.
1. Burlington (U.S. Route 7, Interstate 89, Main Street)
Enforcing Agencies: Burlington Police Department, Vermont State Police
Burlington, the largest city in Vermont and home to the University of Vermont, sees a significant amount of traffic, both from residents and tourists. DUI checkpoints are commonly set up along major roads like U.S. Route 7, Interstate 89, and Main Street, especially in areas close to downtown and popular entertainment venues.
Why It’s Targeted: Burlington has a vibrant nightlife scene, with bars, restaurants, and events frequently drawing crowds, particularly around Church Street Marketplace and the University of Vermont campus. DUI checkpoints are strategically placed in areas where impaired drivers are more likely to be on the roads, aiming to reduce accidents and ensure that individuals who have been drinking do not drive while impaired.
2. Montpelier (U.S. Route 2, U.S. Route 12, State Street)
Enforcing Agencies: Montpelier Police Department, Vermont State Police
As the state capital, Montpelier sees a fair amount of traffic, particularly on U.S. Route 2, U.S. Route 12, and State Street, which are heavily used by locals, commuters, and travelers passing through the city.
Why It’s Targeted: Montpelier is a small but active city, with numerous government buildings, local businesses, and social venues. DUI checkpoints are often set up around downtown, where social gatherings and events take place, as well as along key routes where travelers from out of state might pass through. The goal is to reduce impaired driving accidents and make sure that drivers stay sober while navigating through the city’s busy areas.
3. Stowe (U.S. Route 108, Mountain Road, Main Street)
Enforcing Agencies: Stowe Police Department, Vermont State Police
Stowe, known for its ski resorts and outdoor recreation opportunities, is a popular destination for tourists year-round. DUI checkpoints in Stowe are typically set up along U.S. Route 108, Mountain Road, and Main Street, which are heavily trafficked by both locals and tourists.
Why It’s Targeted: Stowe’s popularity as a tourist destination, particularly during the ski season, leads to a higher volume of visitors from out of state. Many of these visitors may be unfamiliar with the roads or could be impaired after enjoying the local nightlife. DUI checkpoints are positioned in high-traffic areas to help reduce the likelihood of impaired drivers causing accidents, particularly during busy weekends and holidays.
4. Middlebury (U.S. Route 7, Route 125, Main Street)
Enforcing Agencies: Middlebury Police Department, Vermont State Police
Middlebury, a charming town home to Middlebury College, sees a considerable amount of traffic, especially during school events and the tourist season. DUI checkpoints are typically set up along U.S. Route 7, Route 125, and Main Street.
Why It’s Targeted: Middlebury is a college town with an active social scene, particularly around the university, where students and visitors often frequent bars and restaurants. DUI checkpoints are especially important in areas with heavy student traffic to prevent impaired driving and ensure public safety, particularly after major events, parties, and other college-related activities.
5. Rutland (U.S. Route 4, U.S. Route 7, State Route 103)
Enforcing Agencies: Rutland City Police Department, Vermont State Police
Rutland is another city in Vermont that experiences high traffic volumes, especially along major roads like U.S. Route 4, U.S. Route 7, and State Route 103. These routes connect Rutland to nearby cities and attractions.
Why It’s Targeted: Rutland is a regional hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, drawing both locals and out-of-state visitors. DUI checkpoints are placed along busy roads, particularly around bars, restaurants, and commercial districts. The goal is to prevent impaired drivers from causing accidents, particularly in the evenings and on weekends when nightlife activities are prevalent.
6. Barre (U.S. Route 302, Route 12, Washington Street)
Enforcing Agencies: Barre Police Department, Vermont State Police
Barre, located to the east of Montpelier, is a town that sees significant traffic along U.S. Route 302, Route 12, and Washington Street. DUI checkpoints are often set up along these main roads, particularly in areas with higher traffic congestion.
Why It’s Targeted: Barre is a smaller city, but it is an important commercial and cultural center in central Vermont. DUI checkpoints are used to target drivers who may be impaired while traveling through the city or around its busy areas. As with many other cities in Vermont, enforcement efforts focus on reducing impaired driving, especially around busy intersections and main thoroughfares.
7. Bennington (U.S. Route 7, Route 9, Main Street)
Enforcing Agencies: Bennington Police Department, Vermont State Police
Bennington is located near the Massachusetts border and sees traffic from both locals and people traveling into the state from neighboring areas. DUI checkpoints are set up along U.S. Route 7, Route 9, and Main Street.
Why It’s Targeted: With its proximity to the state border, Bennington sees an influx of travelers, including tourists heading to attractions in the region. DUI checkpoints in and around downtown Bennington are designed to catch impaired drivers before they cause accidents, particularly in areas where alcohol consumption is more common, such as local restaurants and social venues.
8. Newport (U.S. Route 5, Route 191, Main Street)
Enforcing Agencies: Newport Police Department, Vermont State Police
Newport, located in the northeastern corner of Vermont near the Canadian border, is a smaller town that still experiences traffic from local commuters and visitors. DUI checkpoints are typically set up along U.S. Route 5, Route 191, and Main Street.
Why It’s Targeted: While Newport may be smaller in size, it is a significant location for traffic between the U.S. and Canada, as well as a key area for tourists visiting Lake Memphremagog and nearby parks. DUI checkpoints are set up along the main routes to ensure that both local and visiting drivers are not impaired while traveling through the area.
9. Brattleboro (U.S. Route 5, Route 9, Main Street)
Enforcing Agencies: Brattleboro Police Department, Vermont State Police
Brattleboro, located on the southern border of Vermont, sees significant traffic on U.S. Route 5, Route 9, and Main Street, which connects the town to neighboring Massachusetts.
Why It’s Targeted: Brattleboro is a busy area for travelers, particularly those coming from or going to Massachusetts. DUI checkpoints are set up in high-traffic areas, particularly near bars, restaurants, and events in the downtown area, to ensure that drivers are sober and to prevent impaired driving accidents.
10. Statewide Highway Areas (Interstate 89, Interstate 91, U.S. Route 2, U.S. Route 7)
Enforcing Agencies: Vermont State Police, Local Law Enforcement Agencies
DUI checkpoints are also conducted on major highways throughout the state, including Interstate 89, Interstate 91, U.S. Route 2, and U.S. Route 7. These highways see heavy traffic, especially during holidays and long weekends.
Why It’s Targeted: These highways are key routes for both locals and travelers passing through Vermont, making them critical areas for DUI enforcement. Checkpoints along these highways help ensure that impaired drivers do not put others at risk while traveling in or through the state. These areas are particularly targeted during times when large numbers of people are traveling for recreational activities, holidays, or events.