The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is urging drivers to plan for a sober ride home during Halloween weekend, highlighting the dangers and legal consequences of driving under the influence. From October 31 to November 3, CDOT will work with the Colorado State Patrol and 67 local law enforcement agencies as part of The Heat Is On Halloween Weekend DUI enforcement period. This effort will include increased patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and additional officers focused on stopping impaired drivers.
To help reduce impairment-related crashes, Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are offering an $8 discount for rides in the Denver metro area using the code SPOOKYCO25 from October 30 to November 3.
“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 resulted in 196 DUI arrests statewide. So far in 2025, more than 11,000 DUI arrests have been made in Colorado, with 172 fatalities related to impaired driving reported this year.
“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.”
CDOT emphasized that roadway safety depends on everyone; people should not let friends or family drive under the influence. Hosts are also encouraged to ensure their guests have safe transportation options after parties.
Under Colorado’s Expressed Consent Law, anyone driving in Colorado automatically consents to toxicology testing following a DUI arrest. Refusing such tests is illegal and can undermine efforts to keep roads safe. More information about this law can be found at https://www.codot.gov/choosetotest.
Preliminary data from CDOT indicates that during its recent Fall Festivals DUI enforcement period there were 487 arrests across 77 participating agencies; Larimer County Sheriff’s Office had 58 arrests, Fort Collins Police Department had 54, and Thornton Police Department had 48.
After Halloween Weekend, CDOT’s next planned DUI enforcement period will be Thanksgiving Week from November 20 through December 3.
CDOT has also released new footage showing real-life interactions between officers and drivers at DUI checkpoints for media use; interested parties can request access by emailing [email protected].
