Police Urge Sober Celebrations as Super Bowl LX Brings Heightened Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies across the country are rolling out extra patrols and safety measures for Super Bowl weekend.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 9:47am

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Law enforcement agencies from Seattle to New England are implementing enhanced public safety measures for Super Bowl LX, including extra patrols, DUI enforcement, and warnings against unsafe behavior. Authorities are urging fans to plan sober rides home and celebrate responsibly, as they brace for large watch party crowds and increased roadway traffic.

Why it matters

Super Bowl Sunday is historically one of the busiest and most dangerous times on the roads, with a spike in impaired driving incidents. The heightened enforcement and safety measures aim to prevent injuries and fatalities by deterring drunk and drugged driving and other risky behavior during the celebrations.

The details

Police departments in Seattle, Boston, and New Hampshire are all taking steps to enhance public safety for Super Bowl LX. The Seattle Police Department released a video warning fans against driving under the influence of any substance. Boston police are also urging vigilance against drink spiking. Parking and traffic restrictions, as well as limits on bar admissions after the third quarter, will be in place in several Boston neighborhoods to reduce congestion. In New Hampshire, state highway safety officials are asking fans to report suspected impaired drivers to 911.

  • The enhanced patrols and safety measures will be in place throughout Super Bowl Sunday, starting in the morning and extending through 2 a.m. Monday.
  • Last year, 25 people were arrested on impaired driving-related charges in New Hampshire during Super Bowl weekend.

The players

Seattle Police Department

The law enforcement agency for the city of Seattle, Washington, which released a public safety video warning fans against driving under the influence during Super Bowl celebrations.

Boston Police Department

The law enforcement agency for the city of Boston, Massachusetts, which is urging Super Bowl weekend revelers to stay alert to the risk of drink spiking and implementing parking and traffic restrictions in several neighborhoods.

New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety

The state agency in New Hampshire that is urging Super Bowl fans to report suspected impaired drivers to 911, following 25 impaired driving-related arrests in the state during last year's Super Bowl weekend.

Kameron Watts

A Washington State Patrol Trooper who stated that additional patrol units will be stationed along state roads in Tacoma, south of Seattle, starting Sunday morning and extending through 2 a.m. Monday.

Gabby Wooten

The general manager of Bleacher Bar in Boston, who explained that the bar will be prohibited from admitting new patrons after the third quarter to help curb post-game congestion.

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What they’re saying

“Whether it's alcohol, cannabis, or any substance that affects your ability to drive, getting behind the wheel puts lives at risk, including your own.”

— Seattle Police Department

“This Sunday isn't just about the game, it's about looking out for one another. If celebrating with friends or family who plan to drink or use substances, check in on how they'll get home.”

— Eddie Edwards, New Hampshire Department of Safety Assistant Commissioner

“It's just so that there isn't so much chaos. If they were to win or if they were to lose, just everyone like kind of running in and out throughout the whole game.”

— Gabby Wooten, General Manager, Bleacher Bar

What’s next

The New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety said the warning to report suspected impaired drivers follows the arrests of 25 people on impaired driving-related charges statewide during last year's Super Bowl weekend.

The takeaway

Super Bowl Sunday is a time for celebration, but it also brings heightened risks on the roads. The enhanced law enforcement measures and public safety warnings aim to keep fans and communities safe by deterring impaired driving and other dangerous behavior during the festivities.