When you think of National Parks, you probably don’t think of driving under the influence. Yet Mammoth Cave National Park law enforcement officers are set to conduct periodic sobriety and safety checkpoints through the remainder of 2025.
According to the national park, checkpoints will be set up on roadways and riverways to identify both drivers and boat operators who are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Encompassing 52,000Â acres of south central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave features hiking, biking, canoeing, camping, and more for visitors.
“The special operations reduce the incidence of DUIs and increase public awareness of the dangers associated with drinking and driving. Rangers will contact drivers and boaters passing through the checkpoints for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment but will strive to not unnecessarily delay other motorists or boat operators.” – National PArk Service
In Kentucky, a first DUI offense within a 10 year period can result in a 6 month license suspension and 90 days of alcohol or substance abuse programs. However if you are arrested for a DUI inside a National Park, you could face a federal DUI charge. A federal DUI can be punishable by up to $5,000 in fines, a minimum of six months in federal prison, and up to five years of probation.
