Quintana Roo to Intensify DUI Checkpoints on Weekends

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — State traffic authorities are stepping up random DUI checkpoints at strategic points across the city, with a particular focus on weekends, in an effort to catch drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking.

Efraín García Chávez, head of the State Traffic Directorate, said the operation aims to prevent vehicle accidents and protect drivers and passengers. He acknowledged that despite public awareness campaigns, some motorists continue to drive under the influence.

“What we’re really trying to achieve with these checkpoints is to prevent a tragedy,” García Chávez said. “Unfortunately, we have detected drivers under the influence of alcohol, so we ask them to stop driving and they receive their corresponding fine. That is why we are maintaining and will reinforce these operations, especially on weekends.”

The official said officers carry out between 15 and 20 breathalyzer tests per day during stops. While on some occasions all tests come back negative, he noted that on other nights at least half are positive.

“We’re not telling people not to go out and have fun—they can, but they should do it responsibly,” he said. “Since there is no widespread practice of naming a designated driver, people should consider using public transportation instead. That is how we can prevent an accident. We need to think about our families and the people waiting at home.”

García Chávez said that in the first half of the year, authorities administered 1,448 breathalyzer tests, 26% of which came back positive. He said he expects that percentage to remain stable as officers maintain a visible presence and continue issuing prevention recommendations.