State Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols Across All New Mexico Counties in April 2026

Statewide, NM – The New Mexico State Police will carry out sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and combined registration, insurance, and driver’s license checkpoints in every county throughout April 2026.

The operations aim to deter impaired driving and reduce alcohol- and drug-related crashes and fatalities on New Mexico roadways. Officials emphasize that continued public awareness through media and enforcement helps shift societal attitudes about driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“These checkpoints are helping to change society’s attitude about driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs,” the announcement states. “Hundreds of lives could be saved each year if every driver had the courage to make the right decision not to drive impaired.”

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Traffic Safety Division provides overtime grant funding to support local law enforcement agencies with traffic safety enforcement, training, education, and equipment, particularly in high-risk areas. This collaboration strengthens statewide efforts to create safer roads for all residents and visitors.

Who: New Mexico State Police (in coordination with local agencies)

What: Sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and registration/insurance/driver’s license checkpoints

When: Throughout April 2026

Where: All 33 New Mexico counties

Why: To help ENDWI (End Driving While Impaired) in New Mexico

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, or use alternative transportation if they consume alcohol or drugs. Law enforcement will determine specific dates and locations based on local troop commanders’ assessments of high-risk areas and times.

Swift Action Prevents Potential Tragedy: NMSP Stops Wrong-Way DWI Driver

In a recent incident highlighting the dangers of impaired driving, New Mexico State Police officers responded to reports of a wrong-way driver on I-25 near Santa Fe shortly after 7:00 a.m. Officers quickly located the vehicle and used a PIT maneuver to safely stop it, averting a possible head-on collision at highway speeds.

The driver, 31-year-old Aleni Gonzalez-Adame, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including aggravated DWI with a blood alcohol content more than three times the legal limit, reckless driving, wrong-way travel, driving without a license, and operating an unregistered vehicle.

This event underscores the serious risks posed by impaired drivers and demonstrates the New Mexico State Police’s commitment to proactive enforcement. Swift intervention by officers prevented what could have resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.

The public is encouraged to report suspected impaired or wrong-way drivers by calling *DWI (394) or local law enforcement. For more information on New Mexico’s traffic safety initiatives, visit the NMDOT Traffic Safety Division or the ENDWI campaign resources.

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