Drunk driving arrests vary significantly across the U.S., but some states report far higher rates than others. Which states have the most DUI arrests in America?
In 2025, the states with the most DUI arrests include California, Texas, and Florida, each reporting over 50,000 arrests annually, while states like Wyoming and Montana lead the nation in arrests per capita.
At D.G. Moore Law, we defend clients throughout Michigan who are facing DUI and OWI charges—because one mistake shouldn’t define your future. Below, we break down the most current DUI arrest data, rank the states, compare per capita trends, and provide insights into how Michigan stacks up against national averages.
National DUI Arrest Trends (2025)
Drunk driving remains one of the most common criminal charges in the United States. Despite increased education and stricter enforcement, DUI arrests continue to occur at alarming rates.
According to the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program and NHTSA data:
- Over 880,000 arrests were made nationwide in 2024.
- That represents a slight decline from over 895,000 arrests in 2023.
- 1 in 3 traffic fatalities still involve alcohol impairment.
Key 2025 DUI Arrest Statistics:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total DUI Arrests (U.S.) | 880,450 |
| % of Traffic Deaths Involving Alcohol | 31% |
| Average BAC at Time of Arrest | 0.15% |
| % of Repeat Offenders Among DUI Cases | 26% |
Table Description: National DUI arrest statistics for 2025, including number of arrests, BAC averages, and recidivism rates.
These national trends reflect a complex mix of prevention success and ongoing enforcement challenges.
DUI Arrest Rates Across the U.S.
To better understand how DUI enforcement varies nationwide, the heat map below displays DUI arrests per 100,000 residents by state in 2024. States with darker shades represent higher DUI arrest rates, while lighter shades indicate lower rates per capita.
This geographic view helps identify regional patterns in impaired driving enforcement. Rural states like Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana often top the list—not due to population size, but because of limited public transportation and aggressive state patrol practices.
Top 10 States with the Most DUI Arrests (Total Volume)
The table below ranks U.S. states by the total number of arrest recorded in the most recent full year of reporting (2024–early 2025). States with larger populations unsurprisingly report higher raw totals.
| State | DUI Arrests (2024) |
|---|---|
| California | 115,430 |
| Texas | 92,780 |
| Florida | 64,910 |
| North Carolina | 49,220 |
| Arizona | 44,300 |
| Ohio | 41,720 |
| Pennsylvania | 40,010 |
| Georgia | 38,960 |
| Michigan | 36,210 |
| Illinois | 34,570 |
National DUI Arrest Rates (Per Capita)
When evaluating DUI enforcement across the United States, raw arrest numbers tell only part of the story. Comparing DUI arrest per capita provides a clearer picture of where drunk driving enforcement—and offenses—are most concentrated relative to population size.
The table below ranks all 50 states based on the number of a DUI arrest per 100,000 residents in 2024.
This approach highlights states like Wyoming, South Dakota, and North Dakota, where residents are statistically more likely to be arrested for impaired driving compared to more populous states like California or Texas.
| State | Population | DUI Arrests (2024) | DUI Arrests per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 581,000 | 3,740 | 643.5 |
| Montana | 1,123,000 | 6,325 | 563.2 |
| South Dakota | 909,000 | 5,365 | 590.2 |
| North Dakota | 779,000 | 4,487 | 575.9 |
| Alaska | 732,000 | 3,893 | 531.7 |
| Idaho | 1,938,000 | 8,289 | 427.8 |
| Wisconsin | 5,894,000 | 25,452 | 431.8 |
| Colorado | 5,845,000 | 27,945 | 478.4 |
| New Mexico | 2,118,000 | 10,029 | 473.5 |
| Missouri | 6,169,000 | 16,159 | 261.9 |
Table Description: states with the highest DUI arrest rates per 100,000 residents.
These figures show that DUI enforcement is not just a big-city problem—it’s often more aggressive in rural states with fewer public transportation options.
How Does Michigan Compare?
Michigan ranks #9 in total DUI arrest and #18 per capita—making it one of the more aggressive DUI enforcement states in the Midwest.
Key DUI Stats in Michigan (2025):
- Estimated 36,210 DUI arrest last year.
- BAC levels average 0.16% — twice the legal limit.
- OWI charges (Operating While Intoxicated) dominate rural court dockets.
- First-time offenders often face license suspension, fines up to $500, and possible jail time.
As an experienced Michigan DUI defense attorney, Attorney David G. Moore understands how these charges affect your driving privileges, your criminal record, and your future. That’s why every case deserves strategic legal advocacy—not just a quick plea deal.
National DUI Arrests vs. Per Capita Trends (2015–2025)
To fully understand how DUI enforcement is changing in America, it’s important to compare both total DUI arrest and per capita arrest rates over time. The chart below visualizes these trends from 2015 through 2025, revealing how raw arrest numbers may decline while arrest rates per 100,000 people remain elevated—or even increase in some years.
This dual-axis chart highlights key shifts in population-adjusted enforcement and suggests how law enforcement priorities, legislative changes, and public awareness may be impacting DUI trends nationwide.
What These Numbers Mean for DUI Defense
High DUI arrest volumes can indicate either a public safety issue or aggressive enforcement. Understanding where your state stands can help contextualize your situation—and reinforce the importance of building a strong legal defense if you’re charged.
In Michigan, DUI cases are complex, high-stakes matters. Without legal counsel, you risk losing your license, job, or even your freedom.
Facing a DUI Charge in Michigan? Protect Your Rights Now.
A DUI arrest doesn’t mean you’re guilty. But it does mean your future is at risk.
At D.G. Moore Law, we help people across Michigan fight OWI charges with experienced, aggressive legal defense. Our goal is to minimize penalties—or get your case dismissed entirely.
Call (269) 808-8007 today for a confidential consultation.
Or visit DGMooreLaw.com to schedule your case review.
Don’t face a DUI alone. Let us help you protect your license, record, and reputation.
