The term “Winter Blitz” gets referenced in Colorado media outlets each year around this time. That might reasonably sound like a marketing push to lure shoppers into stores for post-holiday sales, or a limited-time offer on a ski vacation.
In fact, the Blitz is something altogether different. It features law enforcement agents, lots of them, all across the state, and their focus is impaired drivers.
If that’s you, you’ve got something to worry about, especially if you had a drink or two before interacting with police officers or state troopers on a Colorado roadway. The Blitz kicks off Colorado’s broader “Heat Is On” initiative, a series of coordinated DUI enforcement campaigns conducted throughout the year under the state’s Department of Transportation.
What the Winter Blitz Means for Colorado Drivers
During Blitz periods and other Heat Is On enforcement waves, expect a heavier law enforcement presence on Colorado roadways, particularly around evenings, weekends, and holidays when impaired driving tends to increase. These campaigns are publicized in advance as both a safety message and a deterrent, and they typically result in a noticeable increase in DUI arrests compared to non-enforcement periods.
Colorado drivers should take particular care behind the wheel during these periods. Recurring DUI crackdowns like the Blitz serve as a reminder that law enforcement is prepared to stop and question motorists whenever there’s reasonable cause to believe impairment is a factor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado’s Winter Blitz
What is Colorado’s “Heat Is On” initiative?
Heat Is On is a series of coordinated DUI enforcement campaigns run throughout the year by Colorado’s Department of Transportation and local law enforcement agencies, with the Winter Blitz typically serving as one of the year’s enforcement waves.
Does increased enforcement mean checkpoints are more common during the Blitz?
Increased patrols and, in some jurisdictions, sobriety checkpoints are more common during these enforcement periods. Checkpoints in Colorado must be publicly announced in advance and follow specific procedural requirements.
Are the penalties for a DUI different during a Blitz enforcement period?
No. The legal penalties for a DUI conviction are the same regardless of when the arrest occurs; only the likelihood of encountering increased patrols changes during these periods.
What should I do if I’m arrested during a DUI enforcement campaign?
Contact an attorney as soon as possible. There are often short deadlines to request a DMV hearing to challenge a license suspension, so acting quickly helps preserve your options.
Written by
Shazam KianpourDenver Criminal Defense Attorney & Founder, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. — Over 10,000 criminal and traffic cases handled across Colorado.