San Diego County Sheriff Expands DUI Patrols for Super Bowl Sunday, Targeting Alcohol and Drug Impairment

Enhanced enforcement window runs Sunday afternoon through early Monday

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office will deploy additional deputies for impaired-driving enforcement on Super Bowl Sunday, with increased patrols scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, and continue until 5 a.m. Monday.

The operation will focus on detecting drivers impaired by alcohol and other substances, including marijuana, prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. The agency emphasized that impairment can be heightened when drugs are combined with alcohol or other substances.

Recent county arrest totals provide context for Super Bowl enforcement

Countywide, law enforcement agencies made 7,394 impaired-driving arrests in 2025. The Sheriff’s Office accounted for 1,194 of those arrests. On Super Bowl Sunday in 2025, authorities reported 32 impaired-driving arrests across San Diego County, including two made by sheriff’s deputies.

Alongside the Sheriff’s Office effort, the National City Police Department said it plans intensified DUI-focused enforcement during the Super Bowl weekend, with additional efforts on both Saturday and Sunday.

Public-safety messaging centers on planning transportation before celebrations begin

Authorities are urging residents to make transportation plans in advance of game-day gatherings. The Sheriff’s Office said a safe plan can include selecting a sober driver, using ride-hailing or taxi services, taking public transit, or arranging a ride with a sober friend or family member. The agency also asked the public to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1.

• Plan a safe way home before the game begins.
• Designate a sober driver before drinking and consider leaving car keys at home.
• Use rideshare, taxi or public transportation if impaired.
• Report suspected impaired driving to 9-1-1.

Costs and funding

The Sheriff’s Office noted that an impaired-driving arrest and conviction can exceed $15,000 in legal and court-related expenses.

The Super Bowl enforcement operation is funded through a traffic-safety grant routed through the California Office of Traffic Safety and supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Officials reiterated that the goal of the stepped-up patrols is to prevent crashes, injuries and fatalities during one of the year’s highest-risk periods for impaired driving.