State officials to conduct DUI Checkpoint in Delaware on Friday

SMYRNA, Del. – If you’re planning on heading up North tomorrow through Delaware you should be aware that there will be a sobriety checkpoint not far from Smyrna.

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS), Delaware State Police, and local law enforcement are partnering to conduct a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, December 27, 2024, in the Smyrna-area.

Officials did not say exactly where it would be or what time, but they did confirm that it would be a road that people use to go up and the down the state.

“In addition to the possible arrests that might occur for someone who is impaired that comes through the checkpoint, it’s also an opportunity to educate the community,” Bryson said. “And to highlight through a high-visibility enforcement, the importance of making sure people don’t get behind the wheel when they’re impaired.”

This latest effort marks the second sobriety checkpoint since before COVID, the first was held back in September near Milford.

A DUI can have devastating consequences and cost an average of $10,000 in court costs, fines, attorney fees, car towing and repairs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more. It could also result in the loss of your license and possibly even your job.

“Ensuring the safety of Delaware’s roadways is a responsibility we all share,” said Lieutenant India Sturgis, Director of Public Information for the Delaware State Police. “DUI checkpoints remain a key part of our strategy to combat impaired driving. It is critical to make responsible decisions. If you drink, please do not drive. If you see someone making a risky decision, please speak up. By working together, we can reduce the risks and protect lives on our roads.”

State highway safety officials say additional checkpoints are being planned in 2025.