State increases DUI patrols, launches sober ride campaign for holidays

Photo: Utah Highway Patrol.

UTAH — The Utah Department of Public Safety is increasing traffic enforcement during the holiday season, hoping to prevent people from choosing to drive under the influence.

The department partnered with the Department fo Alcoholic Beverage Service and WCF Insurance to ask Utahns to “Make it home for the holidays — plan a sober ride.” The campaign highlights various safe ways to get home if you are impaired.

DPS and its partners also introduced a $10 Lyft ride credit that is available to anyone statewide throughout December and can be accessed via QR codes displayed in DABS liquor stores and participating bars.

The Utah Highway Patrol and local police agencies are participating in over 250 extra DUI enforcement shifts statewide from December 10 through January 1, 2026.

Alcohol-related crashes in Utah are 15 times more likely to be fatal than all other types of crashes, according to DPS. Drug-related fatalities accounted for 42% of all traffic fatalities from 2020 to 2024, and alcohol-related fatalities accounted for 18% of all traffic fatalities from the same period. So far in 2025, there have been 10,923 DUI arrests in Utah, an average of 30 arrests per day.

DPS tips for a safe holiday season

• Have a plan that includes arranging a safe ride home before your holiday celebrations
• If someone you know is impaired, take their keys and don’t let that person get behind the wheel
• If you drink, don’t drive – Utah’s BAC limit is 0.05; impairment starts with the first drink or drug.
• Utah’s ride-share and taxi companies are a great option to keep an impaired friend and others safe
• Always wear a seatbelt; it’s your best defense against impaired drivers