Results of New Year’s DUI blitz released

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department released the results of the police blitz from New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in partnership with multiple agencies across the state, including local police for both Moapa Valley and Mesquite.

The department announced via social media and local news media that it had completed 835 stops during the operation. Of those 835 traffic stops, 805 citations were issued, with 54 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Another six arrests were made for other crimes other than DUI. A firearm was also recovered from a person who was not allowed to have that contraband.

The Mesquite Police Department issued an announcement through a public media statement of their individual statistics for the campaign that lasted from Dec. 16 through Jan. 4. They reported 295 traffic stops with 36 total arrests. Only 3 of those arrests were for driving under the influence.

“The Mesquite Police Department remains dedicated to bringing the number of fatalities on Nevada’s roadways to zero through increasing public awareness about the dangers of speeding, driving unrestrained, impaired driving, distracted driving and more.”

In the statement, public information officer Jaime Stout reminded the public that “spending a few dollars on a rideshare or taxi is a lot less costly than a DUI, which can amount to up to $10,000.”

He also added that an arrest, potentially having your car impounded and losing your driver’s license is not worth it. Most importantly, he mentioned the potential of long-term injuries and the loss of lives as a warning of why drivers need to not get behind the wheel when intoxicated.

LVMPD Sgt. Keegan Doty stated they combined with the Muddy River Tribal Police Department for New Year’s Eve on I-15 enforcement, catching several for speeding 100 miles-per-hour or faster, but no arrests for driving under the influence.

According to multiple sources, including local media, Nevada saw a 1.2% increase in DUIs in early 2025 but a vast increase over the later months, resulting in 42 deaths from DUI incidents. Still, the statistics from the Nevada State Police say there was a decrease in December 2025 from the previous year.

New laws went into effect on January 1, 2026. Assembly Bill 4 and Assembly Bill 309 raise the time for a second offense on DUI from a minimum of 10 days to 20 days. Mandatory blood evaluations are now at 0.16% blood alcohol level, down from 0.18%. The new law also allows harsher and stricter penalties for repeat offenders.

The prison time for those who cause a death was also raised from a minimum of two years to five. The maximum prison sentence was raised from 20 years to 2. Driving under the influence of marijuana will also be stricter, as it is now considered a felony instead of a misdemeanor.

For more information, please feel free to reach out to local police departments or visit the state websites for legislatures and laws.