How Many DUI Arrests Happen Each Year in the U.S.? (2025 Report)
Driving under the influence remains one of the most commonly charged offenses in America. How many DUI arrests happen each year in the U.S.?
In 2025, there were approximately 865,000 DUI arrests nationwide, continuing a decade-long trend of gradual decline—but DUI arrest rates per capita remain high in many states.
At Gerald Miller, P.A., we defend individuals in Minnesota who face DUI charges, ensuring their rights are protected at every stage. Below, we present the latest national DUI statistics, arrest trends, per capita comparisons, and key insights for Minnesota residents.
How Have DUI Arrest Numbers Changed in the U.S. (2015–2025)?
Over the past decade, DUI arrests in the United States have steadily declined. From a high of 1,050,000 in 2015, arrests have dropped to approximately 865,000 by 2025, reflecting an overall decrease of about 18%. Despite this progress, per capita rates in many states remain stubbornly high. Analyzing drunk driving statistics 2025 helps us understand the trends and impact of alcohol-impaired driving incidents.
Key DUI Statistics (2025):
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total DUI Arrests (2025) | 865,000 |
| Average Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) at Arrest | 0.15% |
| DUI Arrests Involving Repeat Offenders | 27% |
| % of Traffic Fatalities Involving Alcohol | 31% |
Table Description: National DUI arrest statistics for 2025, including total arrests and BAC averages.
According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and NHTSA data:
- DUI arrests decreased by approximately 18% compared to 2015 levels.
- However, first-time offenses still make up the majority of cases filed.
Are DUI Arrests Increasing or Decreasing in America?
DUI arrests are decreasing nationally but remain high in rural states and rural areas. Although total arrests have fallen from over 1 million annually to around 865,000, per capita rates have remained stable or even increased in areas with limited transportation alternatives.
Young adults, particularly those aged 21-24, experience the highest rates of fatalities linked to drunk driving. Educating young adults about the consequences of drinking and driving is crucial to mitigating these risks.
Tracking the long-term trajectory of DUI arrests offers valuable insight into how enforcement strategies, public behavior, and societal shifts impact impaired driving nationwide. The chart below visualizes national DUI arrest totals from 2015 to 2025, along with a trend line and milestone annotations to help researchers and readers interpret the data in context.
You’ll notice a marked decline in arrests over time, with visible impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and a continued downward trend into 2025. While these numbers suggest progress, per capita arrest rates in many states remain high, and DUI charges still account for a significant portion of criminal cases across the U.S.
| Year | DUI Arrests (Nationwide) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1,050,000 |
| 2016 | 1,025,000 |
| 2017 | 995,000 |
| 2018 | 970,000 |
| 2019 | 950,000 |
| 2020 | 930,000 |
| 2021 | 905,000 |
| 2022 | 895,000 |
| 2023 | 880,000 |
| 2024 | 875,000 |
| 2025 | 865,000 |
Table Description: A national trend line showing U.S. DUI arrests declining gradually from 2015 to 2025.
Although total arrests are trending downward, enforcement intensity per capita remains aggressive in several states.
Drunk Driving Fatalities and Deaths
Drunk driving fatalities are a major concern, with over 10,850 people dying each year in drunk driving car accidents. The 21-to-24-year-old age group has the highest percentage of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes, with 27% of drivers in this age group being involved in fatal accidents. Teen drivers are also disproportionately affected by drunk driving, with 17% of young drivers ages 15 to 20 who died in car crashes having blood alcohol concentrations of .08 or higher. In 2022, the states with the highest number of annual alcohol-related traffic fatalities were Texas, California, and Florida.
Which U.S. States Have the Most DUI Arrests in 2025?
California, Texas, and Florida report the highest total DUI arrests in 2025. Larger states tend to lead in raw DUI numbers due to their population size, with California alone recording over 112,000 DUI arrests in a single year. West Virginia, while not among the largest states, also provides valuable insights into DUI statistics, particularly when comparing the safest and most dangerous cities within the state.
When ranking states by total DUI arrests, the largest states dominate:
| State | DUI Arrests (2024) |
|---|---|
| California | 112,400 |
| Texas | 78,240 |
| Florida | 65,670 |
| North Carolina | 39,450 |
| Arizona | 35,350 |
| Michigan | 36,600 |
| Ohio | 42,100 |
| Pennsylvania | 43,950 |
| Georgia | 34,700 |
| Illinois | 32,600 |
Table Description: Table of states with the highest DUI arrest totals.
However, raw totals don’t tell the full story. South Carolina, for instance, has a high percentage of fatal accidents involving intoxicated drivers, highlighting its significant role in national drunk driving statistics.
Which States Have the Highest DUI Arrest Rates Per Capita?
Wyoming, South Dakota, and North Dakota have the highest DUI arrests per 100,000 residents. Smaller, rural states often top per capita rankings because of greater dependence on personal vehicles and more aggressive local enforcement strategies. State drunk driving statistics show significant variations in DUI arrest rates across different regions.
Smaller, rural states often lead in DUI arrests when adjusted for population size. Rhode Island, despite its lower raw total of fatalities, has the highest percentage of fatal accidents involving intoxicated drivers, highlighting its significant ranking in drunk driving statistics.
| State | DUI Arrests (2024) |
|---|---|
| California | 112,400 |
| Texas | 78,240 |
| Florida | 65,670 |
| North Carolina | 39,450 |
| Arizona | 35,350 |
| Michigan | 36,600 |
| Ohio | 42,100 |
| Pennsylvania | 43,950 |
| Georgia | 34,700 |
| Illinois | 32,600 |
Table Description: Table ranking DUI arrests per 100,000 residents.
Notably, Minnesota ranks among the top 10 states for DUI arrests per capita.
How Does Minnesota Compare to National DUI Trends?
Minnesota ranks among the top 10 states for DUI arrests per capita. With an estimated 410 arrests per 100,000 residents annually, Minnesota enforces DWI laws more aggressively than many larger or coastal states, reflecting strong local prevention efforts. The state also faces significant challenges with intoxicated drivers, contributing to its high DUI arrest rates.
Key Minnesota DUI trends:
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- Average BAC at time of arrest: 0.16% (double the legal limit).
-
- First-time offenders represent about 71% of cases.
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- Repeat offenses still account for 29%, highlighting the risk of recidivism. Additionally, alcohol impaired drivers are a major concern, with statistics showing a substantial impact on public safety.
In Minnesota, DUI offenses are typically charged as Driving While Impaired (DWI) and carry penalties that escalate quickly with each additional offense.
What Are the DUI Arrest Rates by State?
DUI arrest rates in 2024 vary widely by state, ranging from 250 to over 640 per 100,000 residents. Rural states consistently report higher per capita rates, while urbanized states with better public transportation tend to see fewer impaired driving arrests. Certain age groups, specifically the 21-to-24-year-old and 25-to-34-year-old demographics, experienced the highest percentages of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes.
To help visualize where DUI enforcement is most aggressive, the heat map below shows DUI arrest rates per 100,000 residents across all 50 states in 2024. States shaded in darker red indicate higher per capita DUI arrest rates, with lighter tones reflecting lower levels of enforcement or fewer impaired driving incidents.
Notably, states like Wyoming, South Dakota, and North Dakota stand out with some of the highest rates in the nation, while larger states like New York, California, and New Jersey appear significantly lower by comparison. This visualization supports the data-driven conclusion that rural and Midwestern states continue to lead in DUI enforcement intensity. Despite the historical decline in drunk driving fatalities on the nation’s roadways, these regions still face significant challenges.
This map illustrates how impaired driving arrests are disproportionately concentrated in certain states—especially in rural regions with fewer transportation alternatives.
What Demographic Groups Are Most Likely to Be Arrested for DUI?
Males aged 21 to 34 are the most likely demographic to face DUI arrests. This group accounts for more than half of all DUI charges annually, while older drivers and women represent a smaller, but increasing, portion of arrests over time. Additionally, a significant majority of fatal DUI accidents, specifically 80%, involve male alcohol impaired drivers.
The latest arrest data show significant demographic trends:
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- Age 21–34 accounts for 56% of all DUI arrests.
-
- Males represent 73% of all arrests.
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- DUI rates among drivers aged 65+ have increased by 8% over the past 5 years.
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- Weekend nights (10 PM–3 AM) remain the highest risk time frame.
A 40-year-old female driver insuring a new vehicle can also impact insurance pricing, illustrating how various factors affect premiums
Quick Insight:Young adult males remain the most statistically likely group to be arrested for impaired driving.
Prevention Strategies and Education
Prevention strategies and education are key components of reducing drunk driving fatalities. Increasing the minimum drinking age and implementing sobriety checkpoints have been shown to be effective in reducing drunk driving accidents. Public awareness campaigns, such as those led by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), have also been successful in educating the public about the dangers of drunk driving. Additionally, designated driver programs and ride-sharing services have become increasingly popular, providing a safe and convenient alternative to driving under the influence.
The Role of Designated Drivers
Designated drivers play a crucial role in preventing drunk driving accidents. A designated driver is a person who agrees to remain sober and drive their friends or family members home after a night of drinking. This simple act can save lives and prevent devastating consequences. Many bars and restaurants also offer free drinks or other incentives to designated drivers, encouraging people to make responsible choices. By promoting the use of designated drivers, we can reduce the number of drunk driving accidents and create a safer and more responsible drinking culture.
Why Are DUI Arrest Rates and Alcohol Impaired Driving Crashes Important for Criminal Defense?
Understanding DUI arrest rates helps criminal defense attorneys anticipate legal challenges and build stronger defenses. Areas with higher enforcement rates often have stricter court policies and harsher penalties, making effective legal representation even more crucial. A DUI conviction can lead to severe legal and financial consequences.
Even though national DUI numbers are trending downward, local enforcement remains aggressive. A DUI arrest can lead to:
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- Immediate driver’s license suspension
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- Fines, court fees, and increased car insurance rates
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- Mandatory alcohol education classes
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- Possible jail time even for first offenses in certain circumstances
Insurance companies assess car insurance rates for individuals with DUI convictions, often leading to significant premium increases.
In Minnesota, DWI/DUI penalties escalate quickly with aggravating factors, such as high BAC, minors in the vehicle, or prior offenses. Insurance providers classify drivers with DUI convictions as high-risk, which can result in increased premiums or even cancellation of coverage.
Arrested for DUI in Minnesota? Gerald Miller Can Help.
A DUI arrest can turn your life upside down—but with experienced legal defense, you may be able to reduce or even dismiss the charges. The financial burden can also be significant, with legal fees for first-time offenders often exceeding $10,000.
At Gerald Miller, P.A., we bring decades of experience defending Minnesotans accused of DWI and DUI. Our strategic, aggressive approach aims to protect your license, your criminal record, and your future. Understanding the legal consequences, such as fines, license revocation, and potential jail time, is crucial in navigating your defense.
Call 612-341-9080 today for a free consultation. Or visit geraldmillerlawyer.com to get immediate help.
Don’t let a DUI arrest define your future. Get the defense you deserve.
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