As the holiday season unfolds in Colorado, law enforcement agencies across the Denver metro area are intensifying efforts to deter impaired driving and keep the roadways safe. Multiple coordinated enforcement initiatives are underway, backed by state and local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and district attorney’s offices emphasizing that Colorado DUI offenses will not be tolerated.

Statewide “Heat Is On” DUI Enforcement

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), in partnership with the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and dozens of local law enforcement agencies, has launched an expanded DUI enforcement initiative through the New Year’s holiday period. This statewide effort, known as The Heat Is On, runs from December 26, 2025, through January 1, 2026, and is designed to increase saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and overall visibility of impaired driving enforcement across major holidays. Motorists should expect a significant police presence aimed at identifying and arresting impaired drivers.

According to the official CDOT release, Colorado is estimated to exceed 16,000 DUI arrests by the end of 2025, with law enforcement agencies dedicated to removing impaired drivers from the road during this enforcement period. Even a small amount of alcohol or cannabis can lead to a DUI arrest if impairment is observed by an officer.

Metro-Area Enforcement: Douglas County Holiday Crackdown

Locally, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office have publicly announced an intensified holiday DUI crackdown. Sheriff Darren Weekly and District Attorney George Brauchler have communicated unequivocally that impaired driving will not be tolerated in Douglas County over the holiday season.

Sheriff Weekly emphasized that traffic deputies and the county’s Traffic Unit will be proactively targeting impaired drivers through increased patrols and that deputies will pursue warrants if suspects refuse chemical testing. DA Brauchler reinforced the message that offenders will face significant prosecution and consequences. Since the 23rd Judicial District’s inception in January 2025, 681 DUI cases have been prosecuted with a 94% conviction rate, and repeat offenders face mandatory jail time and steep fines.

Data and Safety Context

Data from CDOT underscores the gravity of the impaired driving issue in Colorado. So far in 2025, hundreds of Coloradans have lost their lives in crashes involving impaired driving, and enforcement periods historically yield significant DUI arrest numbers. In the Holiday Parties enforcement period earlier in December, law enforcement made 451 DUI arrests, and impaired driving-related fatalities have shown a 22% decrease since 2022, reflecting a growing public awareness and enforcement impact.

Strategies for Staying Safe

Law enforcement and safety officials consistently emphasize planning ahead to avoid driving under the influence during holiday celebrations. Key recommendations include:

• Designate a sober driver before festivities begin.

• Use ride-share services or public transportation — many programs offer discounts or free rides during holiday enforcement periods.

• Arrange for a sober ride home with friends or family.

• Be aware that even drivers with BAC levels below the legal limit can be cited if showing impairment.

Takeaway

Holiday DUI enforcement in Colorado — and specifically within the Denver metropolitan area — is at historically high levels. With The Heat Is On enforcement periods and local crackdowns such as the one in Douglas County, authorities are sending a coordinated message that impaired driving will be aggressively detected, prosecuted, and penalized. Planning for a safe, sober ride home isn’t just responsible — it’s essential for avoiding serious legal consequences and ensuring the safety of everyone on the road this holiday season.