HPD to conduct April 17 safety checkpoint targeting impaired driving and illegal activity
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The Huntsville Police Department’s (HPD) DUI Task Force will conduct a traffic safety checkpoint on Friday, April 17, as part of its ongoing effort to deter impaired driving and keep Huntsville’s roadways safe.
As part of HPD’s continued commitment to roadway safety, officers will be focused on identifying impaired drivers and addressing other criminal activity that may be encountered during the operation, including illegal drugs and firearms violations. These efforts are designed to reduce crashes, prevent injuries and save lives across the community.
“Our first safety checkpoint of 2026 resulted in eight arrests within the first 2 ½ hours,” HPD DUI Task Force Sgt. Antonio Shorter said. “That kind of result shows why these operations matter. We are able to quickly identify dangerous drivers, remove them from the roadway and help prevent serious crashes before they happen.”
Drivers passing through the checkpoint will be asked to present a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and current vehicle registration.
HPD relies on crash data and guidance from the North Alabama Highway Safety Office (NAHSO) to help identify locations where enforcement can have the greatest impact. Checkpoint sites are chosen based on factors such as traffic volume, crash history and impaired driving trends, and operations may occur at multiple locations across the city, including:
- Jordan Lane and Sparkman Drive
- Mastin Lake Road and Pulaski Pike
- Bankhead Parkway and Douglas Lane
- Cecil Ashburn Drive and Old Big Cove Road
- Church Street and Pratt Avenue
- Clinton Avenue and Monroe Street
- University Drive and Old Monrovia Road
- University Drive and Research Park Boulevard
The DUI Task Force would like to remind the community that the safest choice is always to plan ahead. Anyone who intends to consume alcohol is encouraged to arrange a sober ride in advance through a designated driver, rideshare service or another safe transportation option.
Anyone who suspects an impaired driver is urged to contact HPD’s non-emergency line at 256-722-7100 with a description of the vehicle, its location and direction of travel. In emergencies or situations involving immediate danger, call 911.
This operation is funded through a grant from the NAHSO, which supports local efforts to reduce impaired driving and enhance roadway safety across the region.