DMV and Uber team up to curb Halloween DUIs

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is launching its first-ever Halloween “DUIs ARE SCARY” campaign in partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Uber.

According to DMV, Halloween has become one of the most dangerous holidays on Colorado roads, with a rise in impaired drivers leading to more DUI arrests processed by the DMV’s Express Consent Unit on Halloween than any other holiday over the last five years.

In response, the DMV is giving away 1,000 $7 Uber vouchers, encouraging people to plan ahead and avoid the dangers of driving while impaired.

Starting on Halloween morning (Thurs., Oct. 31), the voucher code will be available on the DMV’s Instagram page and valid through Sun., Nov. 3. Vouchers are available while supplies last.

“We’re excited to partner with the Colorado DMV and CDOT to offer responsible transportation alternatives this Halloween,” said Stefanie Sass, manager of Public Affairs at Uber. “We want to encourage any Coloradan who may be drinking this holiday to make a plan and ensure that everyone can enjoy Halloween weekend without putting themselves or others at risk.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 2018 and 2022, 192 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes on Halloween night, with 171 of those fatalities involving a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Young adults 21 to 34 accounted for 54% of those drunk-driving deaths.

“Drinking and driving on Halloween is not only dangerous but costly,” said Electra Bustle, DMV senior director. “With penalties averaging over $13,000 for a first-time DUI offender, we’re hoping this initiative will help people make safer choices and prevent avoidable tragedies.”

From Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, CDOT will support the Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Halloween Weekend DUI enforcement period.

Drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers. Last year’s Halloween Weekend enforcement period concluded with 202 reported DUI arrests. The next DUI enforcement period will be Thanksgiving Week from Nov. 21 to Dec. 4.

“The scariest part of Halloween isn’t the costumes — it’s the real danger of impaired driving,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Our message is clear: If you’re drinking, don’t drive. Take an Uber or plan another safe option to get home safely.”