Maryland State Police to Increase Patrols Over St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

State of MD - On March 11, 2026, it was announced by the Maryland State Police that patrols will be increased over the St. Patrick's Day weekend. Motorists are urged to avoid aggressive, distracted, and impaired driving. Increased saturation patrols will be conducted by Maryland State Troopers from all 23 barracks, including the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team.

Roadways with a history of impaired driving-related crashes will be targeted. These enforcement efforts are supported by grant funding from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration's Highway Safety Office.

Planned enforcement initiatives will take place from Friday, March 13, through Tuesday, March 17. In the Eastern Region, enforcement efforts on major corridors, including routes 301 and 50, will be conducted by troopers from the Berlin, Centreville, Easton, Princess Anne, and Salisbury barracks.

In the Central Region, high-visibility operations on interstates 495 and 270, as well as routes 50, 5, and 301, will be executed. Additionally, enforcement efforts will be combined by the Westminster Barrack, the Carroll County Sheriff's Department, and the Westminster City Police Department.

In the Western Region, crash reduction and DUI enforcement on interstates 70 and 81, and routes 40 and 65, will be prioritized by the Cumberland, Frederick, Hagerstown, and McHenry barracks.

In the Northern Region, DUI enforcement along areas with high concentrations of impaired-related crashes will be conducted by the Bel Air, JFK Memorial Highway, and North East barracks.

Major routes, including Route 295 and Interstate 695, will be patrolled by the Southern Region barracks, which include Annapolis, Glen Burnie, La Plata, Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick.

Attendees of St. Patrick's Day events are advised to designate a sober driver before going out. Drinking should be avoided by those planning to drive. Public transportation, taxis, or ride-share services should be utilized. Impaired individuals should not be permitted to drive.

Law enforcement should be contacted by calling 911 if an impaired driver is observed. Seatbelts must always be worn. Drivers are reminded to remain alert and to avoid texting or using a handheld cellphone.

Hosts of St. Patrick's Day events are reminded of their potential liability if a guest is involved in an impaired driving crash. Plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages should be served. Alternative modes of transportation must be arranged in advance for guests consuming alcohol. Contact information for local taxi companies should be kept readily available. Keys must be taken from anyone attempting to drive while impaired.