Police to conduct extra drunk driving enforcement on St. Patrick’s Day
Mar 17, 2025, 7:55 PM
SALT LAKE CITY — Willard City Police Department will conduct extra patrols and “aggressive” DUI enforcement on St. Patrick’s Day, according to a Facebook post.
Willard PD is urging those who choose to consume alcohol to have a designated sober ride home.
“We guarantee that if we have to give you a ride it will not be to home,” read the post.
Utah Highway Patrol shared a similar message in a recent Reel. Their post reminded Utahns that the legal blood alcohol content limit in Utah is 0.05.
As you plan to head out for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, arrange a designated sober driver, take public transit or use a ride share service.
The Utah Department of Public Safety website said law enforcement offices across the state abide by a zero-tolerance policy. Being caught inebriated behind the wheel has severe consequences, including:
- Jail time
- Criminal charges or lawsuits
- Loss of driver’s license
- Being fired from your job
- Death or injury
Additionally, DUI convictions come with a steep cost, adding up to $10,000 after the first offense.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Agency said several states also those convicted of a DUI to install ignition interlock devices on their vehicles. An offender must pay for the installation themselves. It requires them to pass a breathalyzer before the vehicle will start.
In Utah, the requirement begins following the first offense. The state also requires those who have ignition interlock devices to have a camera installed in their vehicle.
According to the University of Arizona, several factors, including weight, gender and drink strength, can affect how much alcohol is needed to reach the legal limit. For some, it can take as little as one alcoholic beverage.
Signs of drunk driving
The DPS website provided a list of warning signs for drunk driving:
- Drifting during turns
- Lack of attention
- Swerving or weaving
- Slow response times
- Stopping too far back, forward or erratically
- Driving without headlights at night
- Varying speed
If you notice a vehicle exhibiting any of these signs, call 911.
Related: Salt Lake City celebrates 47th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Siamsa
