News Summary
As Charleston prepares to celebrate New Year’s Eve, the police department is taking precautions by setting up safety checkpoints on December 31, 2025. These checkpoints will operate from 9:30 PM to midnight at key locations to ensure the safety of those on the road. The initiative aims to combat impaired driving and ensure that drivers are licensed and sober. With a notable increase in DUI arrests in recent years, officials are urging the community to plan ahead for a safe night out and enjoy the festivities responsibly.
Charleston Gears Up for a Safe New Year’s Eve with Police Checkpoints!
As the clock winds down and we get ready to toast to a brand new year, Charleston is taking extra steps to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and responsible night out. The Charleston Police Department is rolling out safety checkpoints on Thursday, December 31, 2025, to keep our roadways safe as the festivities kick off!
When and Where to Expect Safety Checkpoints
Mark your calendars! The checkpoints will be operational from 9:30 PM to midnight—the very time when many revelers will be celebrating the incoming year. So if you’re planning to head out, be sure to keep an eye out for the added police presence. You’ll spot checkpoints at two major spots: Highway 61 near Penn Ave and Folly Road near Sawgrass Road. Remember, this is not just another routine check; it’s all about making sure our community remains safe as we ring in the new year!
What to Expect at the Checkpoints
At these checkpoints, police officers will be focused on a few specific things. They’ll be checking for valid licenses to ensure that all drivers are legally allowed to be behind the wheel, looking for any signs of impairment, and making sure that children are safely buckled in their car seats, if applicable. This initiative is part of a larger effort to combat impaired driving, especially during New Year’s celebrations when many might be tempted to have one too many.
Why All the Focus on Impaired Driving?
Well, it’s no secret that Charleston has seen an uptick in DUI arrests, much to the concern of local law enforcement. For instance, the number of DUI arrests reported by the Charleston Police has jumped from 419 in 2023 to 531 through November 2024. That’s quite a leap! In the nearby Mount Pleasant area alone, there had been 233 total DUI arrests as of December 12, 2024.
To tackle this problem, the Charleston Police Department is collaborating with organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). This partnership aims to bring awareness to the dangers of drunk driving and to foster safer practices during celebrations.
South Carolina’s DUI Concerns in Numbers
Did you know that South Carolina ranked with the fifth-highest number of drunk driving fatalities in the U.S. back in 2022? That’s a pretty alarming statistic and underscores the urgent need for initiatives aimed at reducing instances of impaired driving. The police want to emphasize how crucial it is to plan ahead—if you’re planning on enjoying some drinks, consider using rideshare services or designating a sober driver. It’s all about making sure you get home safely!
Ready for the Crowds!
The Charleston Police aren’t just gearing up for checkpoints; they are also preparing for the large crowds expected in downtown Charleston. With the celebration for the New Year set to draw many, it’s essential for officers to maintain a high presence, including both uniformed personnel and traffic patrols, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their evening without any problems.
So as we get ready to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026, let’s keep our focus on fun while being responsible. Remember to abide by traffic laws, stay safe, and most importantly—have a blast! Here’s to a safe and joyous New Year!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Count On 2: Charleston Police Safety Checkpoints
- ABC News 4: Safe Celebrations and Checkpoints
- Live 5 News: Police Lookout for New Year’s DUIs
- Count On 2: Extra Enforcement for New Year’s Eve
- ABC News 4: Latest Traffic Safety Checkpoints
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- Google Search: New Year’s Eve celebrations and safety
- Google Scholar: Impaired Driving Statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drunk Driving
- Google News: Charleston New Year’s Eve 2026
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
