Virginia’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign Is Underway for Labor Day Weekend

Virginia’s 25th annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway as drivers prepare for Labor Day weekend. The statewide enforcement and public awareness effort began August 19 and continues through September 7, 2026.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, more than 100 law enforcement agencies are participating across the Commonwealth. For drivers traveling this holiday weekend, the campaign is an important reminder to avoid impaired driving and make safe choices behind the wheel.

What Virginia’s 2026 Drive Sober Campaign Includes

The 2026 campaign includes 111 Virginia law enforcement agencies conducting 665 saturation patrols and 58 sobriety checkpoints across the Commonwealth.

Virginia DMV says the campaign combines increased enforcement with public awareness efforts encouraging drivers to arrange a safe ride home before drinking.

Virginia State Police will also increase its presence over Labor Day weekend as part of Operation C.A.R.E., or Crash Awareness Reduction Effort. The nationwide traffic safety initiative focuses on reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities associated with impaired driving, speeding, and failure to use occupant restraints.

Virginia State Police’s Labor Day participation runs September 4 through September 7, 2026, with increased visibility and staffing planned during the holiday travel period.

Virginia Has Made Progress Against Impaired Driving

Virginia DMV reports that alcohol-related traffic crashes have declined considerably since the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign began in 2002.

Comparing 2001 with 2025, DMV reports that alcohol-related crashes decreased 45%, fatalities decreased 36%, and injuries decreased 42%.

More recent DMV data also showed decreases in alcohol-related crash fatalities and serious injuries from 2024 to 2025.

Despite that progress, impaired driving remains a serious road safety concern, which is why state and local agencies continue these enforcement and awareness efforts.

What Happens If an Impaired Driver Causes a Crash?

When an impaired driver causes an accident, the criminal case against that driver is separate from any civil claim an injured person may pursue.

Depending on the circumstances, someone injured because of another driver’s negligence may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Insurance coverage can also be an important consideration following a serious crash. The coverage available will depend on the drivers, vehicles, insurance policies, and circumstances involved.

What to Do After a Suspected DUI Crash

If you are involved in a collision and believe the other driver may be impaired, call 911 and report what you observed to the dispatcher or responding officers.

If you can safely do so, photograph the vehicles and crash scene and collect contact information from witnesses. Seek appropriate medical attention and keep records related to your treatment and other losses.

Law enforcement officers are responsible for investigating suspected impaired driving and determining what testing or other investigative steps are appropriate.

Evidence gathered during that investigation, along with witness statements, video footage, photographs, and other records, may later become relevant to a civil injury claim.

DBWLE Represents Virginia Crash Victims

If you or a family member is injured by an impaired driver during Labor Day weekend or at any other time, the attorneys at Davies, Barrell, Will, Lewellyn & Edwards, PLC can help you understand your rights and options.

We serve clients throughout Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Culpeper, Warrenton, Fauquier County, Louisa County, Orange County, Rappahannock County, Madison County, Stafford County, Greene County, Albemarle County, Fluvanna County, Caroline County, and surrounding Virginia communities.

Our auto accident attorneys offer free consultations with no obligation, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Contact DBWLE today to speak with a member of our team.

Source: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, August 19, 2026

Map of the Fredericksburg and I-95 area, where drivers may encounter increased traffic enforcement during Labor Day weekend.