As Thanksgiving approaches, many people start searching for terms like “Thanksgiving DUI checkpoints,” “Thanksgiving checkpoints near me,” and “holiday DUI alerts.” Thanksgiving is one of the heaviest travel weekends of the year, and it is also a time when DUI crashes significantly increase. At MrCheckpoint our goal is to keep you informed and safe by sharing accurate information, statistics, and reminders about your rights.
DUI CHECKPOINTS updated in Real-Time
We will update the checkpoints here as we get information for Thanksgiving DUI Checkpoints.
DUI Checkpoint Locations Tonight November 29th
San Diego / Imperial County
6pm-2am – El Centro – Imperial Ave & Holt Ave
Are Thanksgiving DUI Checkpoints Common
Yes. Many police agencies significantly increase DUI enforcement around Thanksgiving. This includes more DUI checkpoints, more saturation patrols, and more targeted enforcement along major highways and nightlife areas. Checkpoints are especially common on Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving night, and the weekend after the holiday.
MrCheckpoint posts real time alerts so you can stay informed, choose safer options, and avoid dangerous driving situations.
Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Travel
Here are suggestions that help keep holiday travel safer.
• Plan ahead if you will be drinking. Choose a sober driver, use Uber or Lyft, or stay the night.
• Do not drink and drive. Even a small amount of alcohol increases crash risk.
• Wear your seatbelt at all times. A large percentage of Thanksgiving fatalities involve unbelted drivers or passengers.
• Avoid driving when tired or stressed. Fatigue, emotion, and long travel times all increase risk.
• Look for rideshare discounts or promotions in your area.
• Check the weather and avoid unsafe travel conditions when possible.
Your Rights at DUI Checkpoints
Knowing your rights keeps both you and the community safer. This is general educational information only.
• You have a First Amendment right to film police in public as long as you do not interfere. Filming is a powerful tool that helps reveal the truth about police encounters.
• You have a Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. You must clearly invoke it. You can say “I remain silent until I speak to a lawyer.”
• You must provide your license, registration, and insurance when asked.
• You can ask if you are free to leave.
• You can refuse a search unless police have probable cause.
• Implied consent laws may require chemical tests depending on your state.
• Stay calm, respectful, and aware.
This is not legal advice. It is general information for public awareness.
Is Thanksgiving the Most Dangerous Day to Drive
Thanksgiving is not always the number one most dangerous day, but it is consistently among the top holiday periods for fatal crashes every year. Thanksgiving Eve is known for high DUI activity, and the long weekend increases traffic volume, alcohol consumption, and fatigue. All of which all contribute to high rates of injuries and deaths.
What You Can Share With Family and Friends
• Buzzed driving is drunk driving.
• Plan a sober ride before alcohol is involved.
• Share real time checkpoint information from MrCheckpoint.
• Remind people of their rights if stopped by police.
• Encourage seat belt use.
• Spread awareness that holiday travel is dangerous and requires extra caution.
Need Legal Help After a DUI or Arrest
If you or someone you know needs a criminal defense attorney or DUI attorney after a holiday arrest, visit the Verified Attorney Directory at to find advertising attorneys who may help.
Stay safe, plan ahead, and look out for your community this Thanksgiving. MrCheckpoint will continue posting updates and alerts to help everyone stay aware and informed.
Thanksgiving Holiday DUI Statistics
Thanksgiving is consistently one of the most dangerous holiday periods on the road. Several reputable sources publish yearly data showing how serious the risks are.
ccording to NHTSA, the Thanksgiving holiday period has extremely high rates of alcohol related crashes. Between 2019 and 2023, 868 people were killed in drunk driving incidents during this time. In 2023, 174 people lost their lives in alcohol related crashes from Thanksgiving Eve through the following Monday. Roughly 35 percent of all Thanksgiving traffic deaths involve an impaired driver, which is much higher than the average day.
Data from the National Safety Council also highlights the danger. More than 300 people die on the roads during Thanksgiving weekend each year. Many of these deaths involve impaired driving or a lack of seat belt use.
Several transportation and public safety studies give more context. Blackout Wednesday, also known as Drinksgiving, is one of the heaviest drinking nights of the year. Bars see major spikes in alcohol sales, and police agencies report large increases in DUI arrests.
Taken together, these statistics show that Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous travel periods of the year.
Not Everyone Arrested for DUI Is Guilty: The MrCheckpoint Story
Not everyone who goes to jail for DUI is actually guilty of DUI. Sennett Devermont, who started MrCheckpoint, knows this firsthand. He was arrested for DUI while completely sober and had to sue to clear his name, ultimately winning a $70,000 settlement. The only reason he could prove the truth was because there was audio. After that incident, countless people reached out saying the same thing had happened to them. That is why MrCheckpoint now encourages everyone to always film the police if pulled over or stopped during Thanksgiving or any holiday weekend. Your rights, and sometimes your freedom, can depend on it.
If you would like donate to a non profit 501(c)(3) this time of year, please consider AFTP Foundation! Click here to donate.
1 Comment
A very informational post for Thanksgiving! Thank you MRCHECKPOINT!