Houston-Area Police Crack Down on DWI, Traffic for Mardi Gras

Increased enforcement on I-45 to Galveston as celebrations ramp up

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Houston police and Harris County deputies will boost traffic enforcement efforts along Interstate 45 heading to Galveston, cracking down on DWIs, speeding, and road rage as the region prepares to celebrate Mardi Gras on the island. The initiative will run from February 6 to February 15, coinciding with the Mardi Gras celebrations in Galveston.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras celebrations in Galveston draw large crowds, leading to increased traffic and public safety concerns. The stepped-up enforcement aims to prevent impaired driving and other dangerous driving behaviors that could put revelers and other motorists at risk.

The details

The Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff's Office, along with several constables' offices, will lead the DWI and traffic enforcement initiative on the Gulf Freeway. Officers will be on the lookout for road rage, DWIs, and speeding violations.

  • The enforcement initiative will begin on Friday, February 6 and run through February 15.
  • Mardi Gras celebrations in Galveston are planned for February 6-17.

The players

Houston Police Department

The law enforcement agency for the city of Houston, Texas, responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining public safety.

Harris County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency for Harris County, Texas, responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining public safety.

John Whitmire

The mayor of Houston, Texas, who announced the increased enforcement efforts in a social media video.

Ed Gonzalez

The Harris County Sheriff, who echoed the call for increased enforcement and safe driving during the Mardi Gras celebrations.

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What they’re saying

“So, let's not drink and drive. Let's have a great time and realize what a beautiful, great city we live in.”

— John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston (Social media)

“We're out in full force with our public safety partners — extra eyes, extra patrols, extra zero-tolerance for impaired driving.”

— Ed Gonzalez, Harris County Sheriff (X)

What’s next

The increased enforcement efforts will continue through February 15, the end of the Mardi Gras celebrations in Galveston.

The takeaway

The stepped-up enforcement on I-45 during the Mardi Gras celebrations in Galveston underscores the importance of safe driving and the commitment of local law enforcement to prevent impaired driving and other dangerous behaviors that could put revelers and other motorists at risk.