Colorado expected to surpass 16,000 DUI arrests by the end of the year

Statewide — As Coloradans prepare to ring in the new year, CDOT and Colorado law enforcement are urging motorists to plan a safe and sober ride home before heading out to a bar or party. With an average of more than 1,300 DUI arrests each month this year, Colorado is on track to surpass 16,000 total DUI arrests by the end of the year. In an effort to prevent impaired driving, CDOT will support the Colorado State Patrol and 61 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On New Year’s Eve DUI enforcement period. This enforcement period will take place from Dec. 26, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026. Drivers should expect to see additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers and encouraging motorists to start 2026 safely.

“Driving under the influence — whether you’ve consumed alcohol or cannabis — puts you at risk of a DUI arrest or crash,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “This New Year’s Eve, law enforcement across the state is prepared to conduct saturation patrols and arrest impaired drivers. Don’t drop the ball this New Year's holiday — choose to drive sober and encourage others to do the same.”

Colorado State Patrol data shows that impaired driving citations spike between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. — the timeframe of most New Year’s celebrations. The agency says that even one or two drinks can be enough to impair your ability to drive. Even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is less than 0.05%, you can still be arrested for a DUI if an officer observes signs of impairment. The only absolute way to ensure you are safe to drive is to have a BAC of zero.

To curb DUIs and impairment-related crashes on Colorado roadways this new year, Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are offering an $8 discount using Uber Voucher code JOYFULCO25 in the Uber app. The discount is valid for one-time use within the Denver metro area through Jan. 2.** The Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Molson Coors are also partnering again this year to offer free rides on all RTD bus and rail routes from 7 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025 to 7 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026.

“So far in 2025, 223 people have died on Colorado roads in crashes involving impaired drivers. That’s 223 lives cut short, families affected and friends lost,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “If you plan to drink, use a ride-share service, public transportation or designated driver to get home safely.”

During last year’s New Year’s Eve enforcement period, Colorado law enforcement made 207 DUI arrests. Throughout all enforcement periods this year alone, there have been 4,916 DUI arrests. Following New Year’s Eve, the next DUI enforcement period will be Winter Blitz from Jan. 8 to 21, 2026.

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.

About The Heat Is On

The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 15 specific high-visibility impaired-driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods may include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers. For more details about the campaign, visit HeatIsOnColorado.com. Information about Colorado’s DUI laws can be found at NoDUIColorado.org. Learn more about CDOT’s dedication to keeping Colorado roads safe at codot.gov/safety. Visit the Impaired Driving Media Resources page for additional materials for the media.

Colorado’s Expressed Consent Law

Expressed Consent is one of the most misunderstood laws in the state. Drivers should know that refusal to provide a breath or blood test once arrested for a DUI may come with increased consequences. Learn more at codot.gov/choosetotest.

The Heat Is On Video Content

To give motorists a firsthand look at the DUI process, CDOT launched a video series featuring interviews with Colorado law enforcement, local officials, victims of impaired driving, road safety advocates and more. “The Long Road: Navigating a DUI Arrest” can be accessed on YouTube. CDOT also has DUI checkpoint footage* available free for media use, offering a compelling glimpse of what happens during a checkpoint. To download the footage, email [email protected].

*The people portrayed in the videos signed participation waivers to be included in filming.

Colorado Fatal Crash Data Dashboard

Colorado’s Fatal Crash Data dashboard represents the official and most current number of vehicle occupants or non-motorists killed in crashes involving a motor vehicle along Colorado public roadways. The graph shows Colorado traffic fatalities year over year and can be filtered by categories such as month, county, age and traffic unit type. Access the Fatal Crash Data dashboard here.

Crash Not Accident

Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident — they are preventable. We would appreciate you saying 'crash' instead of 'accident' when reporting.

**Limited Availability. No cash value. One-time use only. Maximum discount of $8 per redemption. Maximum of one trip per account. To redeem the discount, Uber Voucher code JOYFULCO25 must be applied to the payment section of the Uber app prior to requesting the intended trip. Uber Voucher valid as of 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time Dec. 24, 2025. Uber Voucher expires at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Jan. 2, 2026. Uber Voucher is only valid for rides requested using the Uber App within a 23-mile radius of 101 14th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204. Taxes, fees, and tips will be covered provided that the value of the Uber Voucher is greater than the total order amount. Offer is non-transferable, subject to change or cancellation.