In Pennsylvania, the holiday season — from Thanksgiving through New Year’s — is one of the busiest and most aggressive periods for DUI enforcement. With more people traveling, attending parties, and celebrating with alcohol, law enforcement ramps up patrols to keep roads safe.

Recent Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) data highlights just how active enforcement already is. During Thanksgiving alone, troopers investigated over 1,100 crashes and made hundreds of DUI arrests statewide — all in just five days.

As Christmas and New Year’s approach, the risk only increases. Office parties, family gatherings, late-night travel, and winter road conditions all combine to create a perfect storm for DUI stops and arrests. If you’re facing DUI charges in Pennsylvania this holiday season, contact an experienced Pennsylvania DUI lawyer immediately to protect your rights, your license, and your future.

What Pennsylvania State Police Reported Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Crashes Increased Slightly This Year

According to PSP reports, troopers investigated more than 1,100 crashes statewide over the Thanksgiving travel period. These crashes resulted in multiple fatalities and hundreds of injuries, with dozens linked to suspected impaired driving.

While the total number of crashes rose only slightly compared to the prior year, the number of DUI-related crashes and fatalities remained consistent. That consistency sends a clear message: impaired driving continues to be a major enforcement focus in Pennsylvania, year after year.

Hundreds of DUI Arrests Made in Just Five Days

During the same five-day Thanksgiving period, Pennsylvania State Police made more than 450 DUI arrests across the state.

It’s important to note that these numbers only include incidents handled by PSP. They do not account for arrests made by local or municipal police departments, meaning the true number of DUI arrests statewide is likely much higher.

Even when certain citation numbers fluctuate year to year, DUI enforcement remains strong and consistent — especially during major holidays.

Why DUI Arrests Spike During the Holiday Season

More Travel, More Parties, More Alcohol

Holiday weekends bring a sharp increase in social events — family dinners, work parties, and end-of-year celebrations where alcohol is common. Add in long drives, unfamiliar roads, and late-night travel, and the risk of DUI stops rises quickly.

Many people arrested for DUI during the holidays didn’t plan on “drinking and driving.” They simply underestimated how much alcohol they consumed or how impaired they were.

Increased Police Presence and Targeted Enforcement

Pennsylvania State Police significantly increase patrols and DUI enforcement during major holidays. Sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and targeted traffic stops become more common during this time.

Recent state budget funding has also expanded traffic enforcement resources and supported additional trooper hiring. More officers on the road means more stops — and a greater likelihood of DUI arrests throughout the holiday season.

What These Holiday DUI Statistics Mean for Pennsylvania Drivers

Even First-Time Offenders Face Serious Consequences

A common misconception is that a first DUI is a “slap on the wrist.” In Pennsylvania, that’s simply not true. Even first-time offenders can face serious penalties, including:

License suspension
Higher auto insurance rates
Significant fines and court costs
A permanent criminal record
Ignition interlock requirements

Holiday enforcement doesn’t come with extra leniency. If you’re arrested, the consequences can follow you long after the season ends.

You Can Be Arrested Even If You “Feel Fine”

Many drivers arrested for DUI say the same thing: “I felt okay to drive.” The problem is that alcohol affects everyone differently.

BAC levels depend on body weight, metabolism, how quickly you drank, and whether you ate beforehand. During the holidays, people often drink faster or stronger drinks than usual — and many arrests happen after just a few drinks because impairment is underestimated.

Under-21 Drivers Receive Zero-Tolerance Penalties

Pennsylvania’s zero-tolerance laws are strict. Drivers under 21 can face DUI charges at .02 BAC, along with severe penalties such as long license suspensions, fines, and even jail time. Age does not reduce enforcement — it increases scrutiny.

How to Protect Yourself This Holiday Season

Plan Ahead Before Drinking

The safest move is always planning ahead. That means lining up a designated driver, using rideshare services, staying overnight, or arranging alternate transportation before alcohol enters the picture. A little planning can prevent life-changing consequences.

Know Your Rights If Pulled Over

If you are stopped, stay calm and respectful. You must provide identification, but you are not required to answer questions that could incriminate you.

In Pennsylvania, field sobriety tests are not mandatory, and you have the right to understand what’s being asked of you before complying. How you handle a stop can significantly impact what happens next.

Call a Lawyer Immediately After an Arrest

If an arrest happens, time matters. Early legal intervention can dramatically affect your outcome. A DUI lawyer can evaluate whether you qualify for ARD, identify errors in the stop or testing, and work to reduce or dismiss charges.

What to Do If You’re Charged With DUI This Holiday Season

Act Fast — Deadlines in PA Are Short

Pennsylvania DUI cases move quickly. Missing deadlines can cost you important rights and opportunities. This includes:

License suspension appeals
ARD application windows
Court filing and response deadlines

Waiting too long can limit your options before your case even begins.

A DUI Lawyer Can Challenge the Case Against You

Not every DUI arrest leads to a conviction. A lawyer can review key issues such as:

Whether the traffic stop was legal
Accuracy and handling of chemical testing
Officer conduct and procedures
Suppression motions for improperly obtained evidence

These details often make the difference between conviction and a reduced or resolved case.

Conclusion

Every holiday season, Pennsylvania sees a surge in DUI enforcement — and the numbers show it. Police, prosecutors, and courts take impaired driving seriously, even for first-time offenders.

It only takes one mistake — or a few drinks — to create lasting legal consequences. Planning ahead is best, but if things go wrong, help is critical. If you or someone you love was arrested for DUI during the holiday season in Pennsylvania, contact an experienced DUI lawyer immediately. Protect your rights, your license, and your future before the new year begins.

Citations:

https://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-state-police-crashes-dui-arrests-data-thanksgiving/69618172 (WGAL News at 8, 2025).