Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced increased DUI enforcement measures as part of the state’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign for the holiday season. The initiative aims to encourage residents to arrange safe transportation if they plan to consume alcohol during holiday celebrations.
“This holiday season, Virginians have the opportunity to make a responsible choice that can save lives: a safe ride home for someone who has been drinking,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Because every drunk driving fatality, injury, crash, and arrest is 100-percent preventable, Virginia’s ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ DUI enforcement and public education campaign is focused on keeping our roads safe throughout the holiday season. Virginians who choose to celebrate with alcohol are urged to plan ahead and always get home safely.”
From December 10, 2025, through January 1, 2026, law enforcement agencies across Virginia will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints. These efforts are intended to identify and apprehend impaired drivers throughout the Commonwealth.
According to state data, there were 318 fatalities from alcohol-related crashes in Virginia last year—an increase of 8.5% compared to the previous year.
The current campaign also includes expanded media outreach under the theme “What’s the Damage.” In addition to television and social media advertising, messages will be placed in locations where individuals purchase alcohol. The campaign’s content is available at WhatsTheDamage.org.
Since its launch in 2002, the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program has contributed to a reduction in drunk driving incidents statewide. Data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles shows that over the past five years (2019-2024), alcohol-related traffic crashes have declined by four percent.
The campaign receives support through a grant from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles awarded to Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), a nonprofit organization based in Virginia.