Labor Day weekend is often seen as the last big celebration of summer in Colorado. For many, it means barbecues, camping trips, and end-of-season gatherings. But it also carries a darker reputation: it is one of the most dangerous times of year for impaired driving.
Each year, law enforcement agencies across the state significantly increase their efforts to crack down on drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI). For those who find themselves pulled over, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting.
Understanding how enforcement ramps up around Labor Day, what rights drivers retain during a stop, and what to do if charges follow is critical for motorists in Denver during Labor Day weekend.
DUI Enforcement Trends in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), in partnership with the Colorado State Patrol and local police departments, runs recurring enforcement campaigns known as The Heat Is On. These operations target impaired driving during key holiday periods, and Labor Day weekend is consistently one of the most intensive campaigns.
The numbers show why enforcement escalates so sharply. In July 2025, Colorado recorded 26 impaired driving fatalities, the deadliest month of the year so far. CDOT consistently identifies the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.” One-third of all the fatalities involve impairment.
During this time, drivers will encounter:
- Saturation patrols, in which extra officers focus on specific areas known for high traffic or past impaired driving incidents.
- Sobriety checkpoints, often set up late at night or near major highways.
- Extended hours of coverage, particularly during evenings and overnight when impaired driving risks are highest.
Common DUI Defense Issues During Holiday Crackdowns
Even in periods of heightened enforcement, constitutional protections remain intact. Drivers do not lose their rights simply because it is a holiday. Yet in practice, Labor Day DUI arrests often involve circumstances that raise questions about whether procedures were followed properly.
- Traffic stops: Officers need reasonable suspicion to initiate a stop. Swerving between lanes, failing to use a turn signal, or speeding may all trigger suspicion, but a stop cannot be based on a hunch. If reasonable suspicion was lacking, any evidence gathered after the stop may be challenged.
- Checkpoint protocols: Sobriety checkpoints are legal in Colorado, but only when conducted under strict rules. If these guidelines are ignored, the validity of an arrest may be called into question.
- Field sobriety tests: Stress, fatigue, medical conditions, or even nervousness can cause someone to stumble during a walk-and-turn or appear unsteady during a one-leg stand. Poor performance on these tests is not always tied to impairment.
- Breathalyzers: Devices used to measure blood alcohol concentration must be regularly maintained and properly calibrated. If the equipment was faulty or the officer administering the test did not follow protocol, results can be misleading. In some cases, breath tests can be challenged or excluded from evidence.
These common defense issues are not rare. With enforcement ramped up, officers are under pressure to make arrests, and mistakes can happen. Identifying those mistakes is often central to building a defense.
What To Do If You’re Stopped
Being stopped on suspicion of DUI can be intimidating, especially during a holiday crackdown when enforcement is intense. How you respond in the moment can have lasting consequences.
- Stay calm and respectful. Confrontation or hostility will only escalate the situation.
- Exercise your right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions that could incriminate you. Politely state that you wish to remain silent.
- Understand the Expressed Consent Law. Colorado law requires drivers to submit to a chemical test — breath or blood — if an officer establishes probable cause. Refusing the test carries automatic administrative penalties, including a license suspension of one year for a first refusal. However, refusal does not equal guilt, and the decision whether to comply should be considered carefully.
- Document everything. As soon as possible after the stop, write down details: the time and location, what the officer said, how tests were conducted, and whether anything felt unusual. These notes can be invaluable later when discussing the case with an attorney.
These steps do not guarantee a particular outcome, but they help protect your rights and preserve potential defenses if charges move forward.
How Orr Law Firm Can Help
Facing a DUI charge during or after Labor Day weekend can be overwhelming. The potential consequences carry lasting effects on daily life, employment, and personal reputation.
At Orr Law Firm, we have represented clients facing DUI charges throughout Colorado, including those tied to holiday enforcement periods and checkpoint arrests. Our attorneys are deeply familiar with state DUI laws, the tactics law enforcement uses during campaigns like The Heat Is On, and the ways those tactics can sometimes fall short of constitutional requirements.
Our approach is centered on protecting the rights of each client. That may involve challenging the legality of a traffic stop, examining whether checkpoint rules were followed, scrutinizing the accuracy of breath tests, or presenting mitigating circumstances in court.
Facing a DUI Charge Over the Labor Day Weekend? Reach Out Today.
Labor Day weekend brings an undeniable spike in DUI enforcement across Colorado. Yet despite the intensity of these efforts, rights remain in place. Stops must still be lawful, tests must still be accurate, and arrests must still be conducted under established procedures.
The safest choice is always to plan ahead: use a designated driver, call a rideshare, or rely on public transportation. But if you or a loved one is arrested for DUI during Labor Day weekend, remember that you do not have to face the situation alone.
Orr Law Firm is ready to stand with you, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome. Consult with our Denver DUI attorney for an aggressive defense tailored to the realities of Colorado’s enforcement landscape.