Police warn of zero tolerance DUI enforcement through New Year’s Day

Police say extra patrols and zero-tolerance enforcement will continue through January 1.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Warner Robins police are warning drivers ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays that enforcement against drunk and drug-impaired driving is increasing statewide.

According to a news release from the Warner Robins Police Department, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign started Friday, December 12 and runs through January 1, 2026. Local officers are joining state and federal agencies in stepping up DUI enforcement during the holiday season.

Police say zero tolerance will be enforced. Any driver found with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 or higher will be arrested. Officers say there will be no warnings and no option to call someone for a ride.

The department says the effort is aimed at preventing crashes and saving lives during one of the deadliest times of year for impaired driving. According to NHTSA data cited in the release, more than 4,900 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers during the month of December from 2019 through 2023.

The data also shows that nearly two-thirds of drunk-driving fatalities in December 2023 involved drivers with a BAC of .15 or higher. In Georgia, federal crash data indicates nearly 70 percent of drunk-driving crashes in December from 2019 to 2023 involved drivers with BAC levels close to twice the legal limit.

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Allen Poole urged drivers to plan ahead.

“If alcohol is part of the plan, then the plan must include arranging a ride with a sober driver because driving after drinking is never worth the risk to yourself and others on the road,” Poole said.

Officials encourage drivers to use designated drivers, rideshare services, taxis, or to allow guests to stay overnight when alcohol is involved.

Anyone who suspects an impaired driver is urged to contact local law enforcement.