Highway Patrol to Conduct January Sobriety Checkpoints in 16 Counties

Northeast Radio SD News – Hamlin County, SD - The South Dakota Highway Patrol has announced plans to hold sobriety checkpoints across 16 counties during January.

The scheduled enforcement efforts will take place in the following counties: Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Clay, Davison, Day, Hamlin, Hanson, Hughes, Jones, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lyman, Meade, Pennington, and Spink.

These checkpoints are part of a statewide initiative aimed at reducing impaired driving and enhancing safety on South Dakota roadways. The operations are funded by the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety and will be conducted by the Highway Patrol in partnership with local law enforcement agencies.

State authorities are using the announcement to remind motorists to make responsible decisions. Drivers who plan to consume alcohol are encouraged to arrange for a designated sober driver or utilize public or commercial transportation services.

Officials emphasized that while these specific checkpoints are planned, drivers should avoid operating a vehicle under the influence regardless of whether an enforcement operation is scheduled in their immediate area.

Both the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Office of Highway Safety are agencies of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.