Lake Forest drivers will face increased DUI enforcement starting Friday, Aug. 14, as the Lake Forest Police Department launches a three-weekend patrol campaign ahead of Labor Day.

The department's traffic safety campaign runs through Sept. 2, targeting impaired drivers, unbuckled motorists, speeders and distracted drivers, according to Patch. Officers will boost patrols across all three weekends leading up to the holiday.

The effort is part of the statewide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, funded with federal highway safety dollars administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

July numbers show active enforcement

The department's most recent data offers a snapshot of local traffic enforcement: in July, Lake Forest police conducted 31 traffic stops, issued 29 citations and made one arrest for traffic offenses.

That's roughly one citation per day.

The Lake Forest Police Department said the late-summer travel period is one of the busiest times of the year and that its goal is to reduce preventable crashes.

What's at stake

Under Illinois law, a first-time DUI conviction carries a maximum fine of $2,500, up to one year in jail and a minimum one-year revocation of driving privileges. A DUI charge can result not only from alcohol but also from prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, marijuana and other controlled substances, according to the department's announcement.

The enforcement push comes during a historically dangerous stretch on American roads. In 2024, alcohol-impaired driving killed 11,904 people nationwide, accounting for 30% of all traffic fatalities, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

How to plan ahead

The department recommends drivers who plan to drink designate a sober driver in advance or use a taxi, Metra or ride-sharing service. The message: don't wait until after drinking to arrange a safe ride home.

Lake Bluff's police department announced a similar but longer campaign running Aug. 14 through Sept. 8, as we reported Aug. 10. Lake Forest's window closes six days earlier, on Sept. 2.