RivCo CHP To Increase Patrols On New Year's Eve, Day

TEMECULA, CA — The California Highway Patrol is warning drivers not to risk getting behind the wheel after partaking in drugs or drinking alcohol this New Year's as the agency will be ramping up patrols throughout Riverside County.

The CHP's New Year's "Holiday Enforcement Period" will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday. At that time, officers will fan out across the Inland Empire in search of impaired motorists, speeders and other traffic violators.

The crackdown will continue through late Thursday night, concluding at 11:59 p.m.

"We're entering a New Year, but our message stays the same: Driving under the influence increases the risks on our roads, raises the chance of a crash and puts lives in danger," CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. "We encourage everyone to do their part in keeping our roads safe by making responsible choices behind the wheel."

The Riverside, Blythe, Indio, San Gorgonio Pass and Temecula CHP stations will send officers out on freeways, highways and unincorporated roads over the two day period.

Last year, the campaign snared 481 arrests across the state. That is compared to 892 during the 2023-24 campaign, according to the CHP.

Over the Christmas campaign, the CHP said it made 297 DUI arrests statewide.

What's more, the effort is running during anti-DUI campaigns involving the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and multiple municipal law enforcement agencies countywide.

"Before counting down to the new year, the CHP reminds everyone to plan ahead: designate a sober driver, use a ride-share service or public transportation and report drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1. Let’s start the new year safely," the CHP said.