Law Enforcement to Boost DUI Patrols on St. Patrick's Day

Extra officers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers across Los Angeles and Orange counties

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:50pm

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Law enforcement agencies in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas are planning to increase DUI patrols and enforcement on St. Patrick's Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The LAPD, California Highway Patrol, and local police departments will have additional officers on the roads looking for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including marijuana and prescription medications. Officials are urging the public to plan ahead and use ride-sharing services, public transportation, or designated drivers to avoid the risk of a costly and dangerous DUI arrest.

Why it matters

St. Patrick's Day is one of the deadliest times on U.S. roads, with over 30% of all traffic fatalities involving impaired drivers. Law enforcement is taking proactive steps to crack down on DUI offenses and keep the public safe during this holiday period when alcohol consumption tends to increase.

The details

The Los Angeles Police Department will have saturation patrols starting Tuesday afternoon in various areas. The California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will also have beefed-up patrols with officers on the lookout for impaired drivers. Burbank police plan to have extra officers on patrol between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 2 a.m. Wednesday, while Torrance will have additional officers patrolling from 5 p.m. to midnight.

  • The increased DUI patrols will begin on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 and continue into the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Los Angeles Police Department

The primary law enforcement agency for the city of Los Angeles, responsible for increasing DUI patrols and enforcement on St. Patrick's Day.

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that will have beefed-up patrols and officers on the lookout for impaired drivers in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

The county law enforcement agency that will also have increased DUI patrols and enforcement on St. Patrick's Day.

Burbank Police Department

The local police department in Burbank that will have extra officers on patrol from 6 p.m. on March 17 to 2 a.m. on March 18 to target impaired drivers.

Torrance Police Department

The local police department in Torrance that will have additional officers patrolling from 5 p.m. to midnight on St. Patrick's Day to look for DUI offenses.

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What’s next

Law enforcement agencies will continue to monitor traffic and enforce DUI laws throughout the St. Patrick's Day holiday period to ensure public safety.

The takeaway

With St. Patrick's Day being one of the deadliest times on U.S. roads due to impaired driving, the increased law enforcement presence and DUI patrols are critical to deterring drunk and drugged driving and preventing tragedies. The public is urged to plan ahead and use alternative transportation options to avoid the serious legal and financial consequences of a DUI arrest.