The consequences of a DUI can be haunting, so make the safe choice and find a sober ride home from Halloween festivities. From Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, the Colorado Department of Transportation will support the Colorado State Patrol and 67 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Halloween Weekend DUI enforcement period. Drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers and keeping Colorado’s roads safe.
“Colorado motorists have the responsibility to drive sober, and Colorado law enforcement has the responsibility to remove impaired drivers from the road. Planning a sober ride ahead of any holiday event is the best way to avoid a DUI or crash,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “This Halloween, leave the keys behind if you’ll be consuming alcohol or cannabis. It’s always better to call a sober friend or use a rideshare service than put yourself and other Coloradans at risk.”
Last year’s Halloween Weekend enforcement period concluded with 196 reported DUI arrests. So far this year, there have been more than 11,000 DUI arrests in Colorado. Additionally, 172 impaired driving-related fatalities have occurred on Colorado roads so far in 2025.
“Ensure a sober ride home is part of your Halloween weekend plans and never get behind the wheel impaired,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “The consequences of a DUI will haunt you — the average cost of a DUI is $13,530 and dealing with the crime will take up hours of your time. Don’t make excuses and don’t take the risk.”
Roadway safety is a shared responsibility — never let a friend or family member drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you plan to host a Halloween party this weekend, make sure your guests stay safe and avoid a DUI by following these tips:
- Encourage guests to designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service, taxi or public transportation.
- Call a sober friend or family member for a guest if they have been drinking or offer them a place to stay if a sober ride home is unavailable.
- Stop serving alcohol at least two hours before the party is over. Provide plenty of food and non-alcoholic drink options.
- Be persistent if a guest is intoxicated and planning to drive home. Explain that you care about their safety and cannot let them get behind the wheel.
- Remember, as a host, you could be held liable if a guest you serve alcohol to gets in a crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers the following safety tips for designated drivers this Halloween:
- Be alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians.
- Slow down and scan the road. Remember: Slower speeds save lives.
- Watch for young trick-or-treaters in unexpected places. Children may be unaware of traffic and dart into the street unexpectedly.
- If you see an impaired driver, contact law enforcement.
Under Colorado’s Expressed Consent Law, by driving a vehicle in the state, you automatically consent to a toxicology test following a DUI arrest. Colorado has seen an increase in drivers who refuse a toxicology test in recent years. Refusing a test is illegal, and it hinders efforts to keep Colorado roads safe from impaired drivers. Learn more about the law and the consequences of refusing to test at codot.gov/choosetotest.
Preliminary data shows that the recent Fall Festivals DUI enforcement period concluded with 487 arrests across 77 participating agencies. The agencies with the highest arrests were Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (58), Fort Collins Police Department (54) and Thornton Police Department (48). Following Halloween Weekend, the next DUI enforcement period will be Thanksgiving Week from Nov. 20 to Dec. 3.