Utah ramps up DUI enforcement through Labor Day

Utah law enforcement agencies are increasing DUI patrols statewide through Labor Day as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Photo: Max Fleischmann

Thirty-nine law enforcement agencies will work more than 245 additional DUI enforcement shifts statewide through Sept. 7

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Drivers across Utah can expect increased DUI enforcement through Labor Day as law enforcement agencies statewide participate in a national effort to keep impaired drivers off the road.

The Utah Department of Public Safety announced Wednesday that agencies have begun participating in the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Labor Day enforcement campaign, which will continue through Sept. 7.

The campaign coincides with the final weeks of Utah’s “100 Deadliest Days,” the summer period that historically sees an increase in fatal crashes.

According to DPS, 39 law enforcement agencies will work more than 245 additional DUI overtime shifts statewide during the campaign. The Utah Highway Patrol will also conduct DUI enforcement blitzes over Labor Day weekend.

Grants administered by the Utah Highway Safety Office fund the additional enforcement.

Preliminary state data shows 416 alcohol-related crashes have occurred in Utah so far in 2026, according to DPS. State crash data from 2021 through 2025 also shows crashes involving an alcohol-related driver were 15 times more likely to be fatal than other crashes.

During state fiscal year 2025, Utah law enforcement agencies made 10,923 DUI arrests, an average of about 30 per day, DPS reported.

So far during this year’s “100 Deadliest Days,” Utah has recorded 58 fatal crashes resulting in 61 deaths, according to the department.

The enforcement push comes as Utahns prepare for Labor Day weekend travel and gatherings. DPS is urging drivers to arrange a sober ride before drinking and to intervene when someone who has been drinking is considering driving.

Utah’s legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.05%. DPS cautions drivers that impairment can begin before someone reaches the legal limit and encourages anyone who has been drinking to use a designated driver or another sober transportation option.

The department is also reminding motorists and passengers to wear seat belts, which it describes as one of the best protections against impaired drivers.

State officials will reinforce the campaign through online and outdoor advertising while the additional patrols continue statewide through Labor Day.