The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is urging drivers to plan for a sober ride home during Halloween weekend, as law enforcement agencies across the state increase efforts to prevent impaired driving. From October 31 to November 3, CDOT will join the Colorado State Patrol and 67 local law enforcement agencies in The Heat Is On Halloween Weekend DUI enforcement period. During this time, drivers may encounter saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and additional officers focused on arresting impaired drivers.
To help reduce impairment-related crashes during the holiday weekend, Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are offering an $8 discount for rides using the Uber Voucher code SPOOKYCO25 within the Denver metro area 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 led to 196 DUI arrests statewide. So far in 2025, there have been over 11,000 DUI arrests in Colorado and 172 fatalities related to impaired driving.
“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.”
Authorities emphasize that roadway safety requires everyone’s participation—friends or family should not allow someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol to drive.
Under Colorado’s Expressed Consent Law, anyone driving in Colorado automatically consents to toxicology testing after a DUI arrest; refusal is illegal and impedes efforts to keep roads safe. More information about this law can be found at codot.gov/choosetotest.
Preliminary data indicates that during a recent Fall Festivals DUI enforcement period involving 77 agencies statewide, there were 487 arrests; Larimer County Sheriff’s Office had 58 arrests, Fort Collins Police Department had 54 arrests, and Thornton Police Department reported 48 arrests. The next scheduled enforcement period will occur over Thanksgiving Week from November 20 through December 3.
CDOT has released new checkpoint footage available for media upon request by emailing [email protected], providing insight into what occurs during sobriety checkpoints.
