Don’t test your luck: St. Patrick's Day DUI enforcement begins March 13

The holiday filled with green cheer is right around the corner, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local law enforcement agencies are reminding Coloradans to celebrate responsibly this St. Patrick’s Day weekend. As part of the DUI Traffic Safety campaign, The Heat Is On, CDOT, CSP and local law enforcement agencies are teaming up for an enforcement period from Friday, March 13, to Wednesday, March 18 to keep impaired drivers off the road. 

 “St. Patrick’s Day is known as a holiday associated with alcohol consumption, but we want Coloradans to be safe, and make the smart choice to never drive impaired,” said Sam Cole, traffic safety manager at CDOT. “No matter how you choose to celebrate, make the safe choice and plan a sober ride home.” 

During last year’s four-day The Heat Is On St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period, 336 impaired drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs. 

The legal blood-alcohol content (BAC) limit in Colorado is 0.05% for driving while ability impaired (DWAI) and 0.08% for driving under the influence (DUI). First-time DUI offenders can be punished with up to one year in jail, license suspension and thousands of dollars in fines. The Heat Is On campaign will return for the Spring Events DUI enforcement beginning April 3. Last year, 1,783 impaired drivers were arrested during the five-week enforcement effort.