January 17, 2026

Charleston Police Enhance Road Safety with DUI Checkpoints

Charleston, SC, January 17, 2026

The Charleston Police Department conducted traffic checkpoints throughout the city to deter impaired driving and promote road safety. These operations are part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing alcohol-related accidents. Officers were vigilant in identifying signs of intoxication and addressing additional public safety concerns. The initiative underscores the city’s commitment to road safety and the ongoing challenges faced by South Carolina regarding impaired driving statistics.

Charleston Police Bolster Road Safety with Impaired Driving Prevention Checkpoints

Charleston, SC – The Charleston Police Department actively enforced traffic checkpoints across the city on Friday night as part of its ongoing mission to prevent impaired driving and enhance overall road safety. These operations aim to deter individuals from driving under the influence and to mitigate the risks associated with impaired driving, ensuring safer streets for all residents and visitors.

Details of the Operation

The traffic checkpoints, which are a regular part of the department’s strategy, were established on Friday night, January 16, 2026, as part of continuous efforts to promote safe driving practices. Such checkpoints typically operate on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday nights, usually between 9:00 p.m. and midnight. Locations for these checkpoints are strategically chosen based on data-driven analysis, focusing on areas identified with higher instances of DUI-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities. These often include corridors near downtown bars, bridges, and other high-traffic routes that connect the peninsula to surrounding areas such as James Island, West Ashley, and North Charleston.

During these stops, law enforcement officers are vigilant for multiple indicators beyond just impaired driving. They specifically look for signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol. Officers also check for open containers of alcohol or drugs in plain view, as well as addressing issues like suspended licenses, outstanding warrants, or expired vehicle registrations, all of which contribute to public safety concerns on the roads.

Charleston’s Commitment to Safer Roads

The Charleston Police Department maintains an aggressive campaign against impaired driving, reinforcing its commitment to public safety. This sustained effort reflects a broader strategy that includes regular checkpoints and increased patrols. In May 2024, city leadership, including Mayor William Cogswell, announced a decisive step to prioritize safety by deploying strategically positioned DUI checkpoints throughout the city, including at key entry and exit points on the peninsula, signaling a “zero tolerance” stance on drunk driving. These initiatives are supplemented by existing programs, such as the Mayor’s King Street Safety Initiative. Charleston County has notably recorded a substantial increase in DUI arrests over the past year, indicating heightened enforcement efforts by officers to prevent dangerous driving incidents before they occur.

Addressing a Statewide Challenge

The issue of impaired driving is a significant concern not only for Charleston but also across South Carolina. The state continues to face some of the most challenging impaired driving statistics nationwide, consistently ranking among the worst in the country for drunk driving fatalities. Data highlights that nearly half of all fatal crashes in South Carolina involve alcohol, underscoring a persistent statewide crisis.

In response to these alarming figures, state law enforcement has launched initiatives such as “Operation Safe DRIVE” (Distracted, Reckless, Impaired, Visibility Enforcement). This multi-agency, multi-state program is designed to crack down on unsafe driving behaviors and reduce traffic collisions, particularly in high-crash corridors like Interstates 20, 26, 77, 85, and 95 within South Carolina. Furthermore, a comprehensive DUI bill aimed at strengthening existing laws, increasing penalties for convictions, and requiring ignition interlock devices sooner is a top priority for South Carolina lawmakers in 2026. This legislative push seeks to completely reset the culture around DUI and ultimately lead to safer roads across the state.

Community Role in Prevention

While law enforcement agencies actively work to prevent impaired driving through enforcement and initiatives, the responsibility for road safety also extends to every community member. Making responsible choices, such as planning for a sober ride or utilizing alternative transportation after consuming alcohol, is crucial. These individual decisions play a vital role in protecting not only oneself but also other drivers, pedestrians, and the officers dedicated to maintaining safe environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main purpose of the Charleston police checkpoints on Friday night?

The main purpose of the Charleston police checkpoints on Friday night was to prevent impaired driving and enhance overall road safety.

When do Charleston police typically conduct traffic checkpoints?

Charleston police typically conduct traffic checkpoints on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday nights, usually between 9:00 p.m. and midnight.

How does the Charleston Police Department decide where to set up checkpoints?

The Charleston Police Department decides where to set up checkpoints based on data-driven analysis, focusing on areas with higher instances of DUI-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

What do officers look for during these traffic checkpoints?

During these traffic checkpoints, officers look for impaired drivers, open containers or drugs in plain view, signs of intoxication like slurred speech or bloodshot eyes, suspended licenses, outstanding warrants, and expired registrations.

What is South Carolina’s stance on impaired driving?

South Carolina faces some of the most challenging impaired driving statistics nationwide and has a “zero tolerance” stance on drunk driving, with legislative efforts aimed at increasing penalties and enhancing enforcement.

Key Features of Charleston’s Impaired Driving Prevention Efforts

Feature	Description	Scope
Traffic Checkpoints	Regularly enforced by Charleston Police, particularly on weekend nights, to deter impaired driving.	Local (Charleston)
Data-Driven Location Selection	Checkpoints are set up in areas with high rates of DUI-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities.	Local (Charleston)
Comprehensive Enforcement	Officers look for impaired drivers, open containers, signs of intoxication, suspended licenses, and outstanding warrants.	Local (Charleston)
Mayor’s Zero Tolerance Stance	City leadership has emphasized a “zero tolerance” approach to drunk driving, leading to increased enforcement.	Local (Charleston)
Increased DUI Arrests	Charleston County has seen a substantial increase in DUI arrests over the past year.	Local (Charleston County)
Statewide Challenge	South Carolina ranks among the worst in the nation for drunk driving deaths, with nearly half of fatal crashes involving alcohol.	State-level (South Carolina)
“Operation Safe DRIVE”	A multi-agency, multi-state initiative by state law enforcement to crack down on unsafe driving in high-crash corridors.	State-level (South Carolina, multi-state)
2026 DUI Bill	A top legislative priority in South Carolina to increase penalties and require ignition interlock devices sooner for DUI convictions.	State-level (South Carolina)