Ghosts Aren’t the Only Things to Fear: DUI Checkpoints This Halloween

Halloween might be all about scares, costumes, and haunted houses—but there’s one thing far more frightening than a ghostly apparition: a DUI arrest. Each year, law enforcement agencies across Colorado ramp up patrols and set up DUI checkpoints to catch impaired drivers. Whether you’re heading to a costume party or taking the kids trick-or-treating, knowing the risks and your rights can help you avoid a night that haunts you long after October 31.

The Scary Truth: Halloween DUI Statistics

Halloween consistently ranks among the most dangerous nights of the year for drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all fatal crashes on Halloween night involve an impaired driver. In Colorado, police agencies often announce heightened DUI enforcement during the last weekend of October as part of the state’s “Heat Is On” campaign.

Officers don’t just rely on random traffic stops—they organize sobriety checkpoints in high-traffic nightlife areas, near college campuses, and along major roads leading to party venues. These checkpoints can pop up without much warning, and even one drink too many could land you in serious trouble.

What Happens at a DUI Checkpoint?

If you’ve never been stopped at a checkpoint, here’s what to expect:

1. Initial Stop: Officers briefly talk to each driver, checking for signs of impairment—bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, or the smell of alcohol.

    

    

2. Screening Tests: If officers suspect impairment, they may ask you to perform field sobriety tests or take a preliminary breath test (PBT).

    

    

3. Probable Cause: If the PBT or your behavior indicates intoxication, you could be arrested and taken in for a chemical test (blood or breath) to confirm your blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

    

    

Refusing these tests can have serious consequences, including automatic license suspension under Colorado’s express consent law.

The Real-Life Consequences of a Halloween DUI

Getting arrested for DUI is no trick—it’s a life-changing event that can follow you for years. Penalties in Colorado are severe, even for first-time offenders:

• First Offense: Up to one year in jail, fines up to $1,000, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education classes.

   

   

• Subsequent Offenses: Harsher penalties, including longer jail time, community service, and potential ignition interlock device installation.

   

   

• Collateral Damage: A DUI can also impact your employment, auto insurance rates, and even child custody cases.

   

   

For parents, a DUI conviction could influence family court decisions about parental responsibility or visitation rights—especially if alcohol abuse is alleged.

How to Stay Safe (and Sober) This Halloween

Before you put on your costume and grab that drink, make a plan:

• Designate a sober driver or use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft.

   

   

• Host responsibly—provide non-alcoholic drink options and ensure guests get home safely.

   

   

• Stay overnight if you’re attending a party far from home.

   

   

• Avoid driving if you’ve been drinking, even if you “feel fine.”

   

   

If you do find yourself stopped at a checkpoint or arrested for DUI, stay calm, be polite, and know your rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel before answering questions.

Facing a DUI Charge? Get Legal Help Fast

Being charged with DUI can feel like your worst Halloween nightmare—but you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced Colorado DUI defense lawyer can help protect your rights, challenge questionable evidence, and guide you through the legal process.

From negotiating reduced charges to fighting for your license reinstatement, having the right legal representation can make all the difference in how your case turns out.

Final Thought

This Halloween, the scariest thing on the road isn’t a ghost or a goblin—it’s the flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror. Celebrate safely, plan ahead, and remember: one careless choice could turn a night of fun into a haunting legal battle.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI, contact a trusted Colorado DUI lawyer immediately. Protect your future—before it disappears into the night.