OVI Checkpoints in Ashland County, Ohio

CityOVI Checkpoint LocationDate
AshlandOVI Checkpoint - Claremont Ave Ashland, OH 44805Friday, July 12, 2024 From 8 PM to 10 PM
LoudonvilleOhio State Route 3Saturday, August 19, 2023

About Ashland County, Ohio

Ashland County is located in north-central Ohio, between Mansfield and Wooster. It’s home to the city of Ashland, which serves as the county seat, and includes towns like Loudonville, Perrysville, Jeromesville, and Savannah. Though largely rural, Ashland has several well-traveled state routes and a major interstate (I-71) passing through its eastern edge — making it a target area for OVI enforcement.

Ashland County sees DUI checkpoints primarily led by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (Ashland Post 3), often in cooperation with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments like Ashland PD and Loudonville PD. Enforcement focuses on both high-speed highways and local roads near bars, parks, and event centers.

High-Risk OVI Checkpoint Locations in Ashland County

Below are the most commonly targeted locations for OVI checkpoints in Ashland County, selected based on crash history, DUI arrest data, and event traffic patterns.

I-71 – Near US 250 and US 42 Interchanges (Eastern Ashland County)

Primary Zone:

  • I-71 at Exit 186 (US 250) and Exit 191 (SR 39/US 42)

  • Just east of Red Haw State Park and near Polk-Jeromesville Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Love’s Travel Stop (2650 Ashland St)

  • Pilot Travel Center (2516 Ashland St)

  • Hayesville Rest Area (southbound I-71)

Why it’s targeted: I-71 is a major corridor for both commercial and local traffic. This stretch is frequently used by travelers heading between Columbus and Cleveland, with gas stations, truck stops, and food spots clustered near the interchanges. OSHP often targets this area for OVI and drug interdiction checkpoints — especially on long weekends and during overnight hours.

Law Enforcement: Ohio State Highway Patrol – Ashland Post

US 250 & Mifflin Avenue Corridor – Southeast Ashland City

Checkpoint Focus:

  • US 250 East near George Rd, Mifflin Ave, and Baney Rd S

  • From Lutheran Village of Ashland down to Brookside West Park

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Archer’s Tavern (2035 Claremont Ave)

  • Ashland County Fairgrounds (2042 Claremont Ave)

  • Brookside Golf Course (1399 Sandusky St)

Why it’s targeted: This stretch leads from the Ashland city core into more rural parts of the county. It’s close to bars, recreational areas, and venues that host festivals and county fair events. During the Ashland County Fair or July 4th celebrations, you’ll often see checkpoint activity set up along this corridor.

Law Enforcement: Ashland Police Department and OSHP

Claremont Avenue (SR 60) – West Side of Ashland City

Checkpoint Zones:

  • Intersection of Claremont Ave and US 42 / Cottage St

  • Area near Ashland High School (1440 King Rd) and Kingwood Center

Nearby Destinations:

  • The Warehouse Tavern (1523 Claremont Ave)

  • Ashland University Campus (401 College Ave)

  • Luray Lanes Bowling Center

Why it’s targeted: Claremont Avenue is a busy arterial road, especially on weekends when local residents and university students head out for dining and nightlife. This area offers safe staging zones for police with large parking lots and wide road shoulders. DUI checkpoints have historically been placed near the high school entrance and gas station corners.

Law Enforcement: Ashland Police Department

Downtown Ashland – Main Street, College Ave, Orange Street

Checkpoint Focus:

  • Downtown Ashland grid between Main St, College Ave, and Union St

  • Orange Street near Ashland University

Nearby Landmarks:

  • The Dog House Bar & Grill (130 W Main St)

  • O’Bryan’s Pub (1065 Claremont Ave)

  • Archer Auditorium and AU Convocation Center

Why it’s targeted: Downtown Ashland is a center of nightlife, especially during university events or homecoming weekends. OSHP has been known to stage OVI checkpoints along Main Street and adjacent side roads to catch impaired drivers leaving downtown. Additional saturation patrols usually accompany these checkpoints.

Law Enforcement: Ashland Police and Sheriff’s Office

Loudonville – SR 3 and SR 39 Interchange Zone

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR 3 (North Market St) near SR 39 (Main St)

  • Near Loudonville High School and Mohican Adventures Canoe Livery

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Mohican State Park

  • Canoe liveries and camping resorts

  • Local bar-restaurants on Main Street

Why it’s targeted: Loudonville sees a major influx of tourists in summer and fall due to Mohican River recreation. Many out-of-town drivers and campers are unfamiliar with the area and use SR 3/SR 39 as the main route to and from the park. Law enforcement uses this high-traffic, alcohol-accessible area for OVI enforcement — particularly on Fridays and Saturdays in peak season.

Law Enforcement: Loudonville Police Department and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office

SR 511 – Jeromesville and Nearby Rural Roads

Checkpoint Focus:

  • From Jeromesville (SR 89) north toward SR 302

  • Crossroads with County Road 30A, Township Road 1906, and Twins School Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Hillsdale High School

  • Rural bar/restaurants along SR 511

Why it’s targeted: This area includes rural two-lane roads with limited lighting and a history of nighttime crashes involving impaired drivers. Law enforcement uses roving checkpoints and roadside stops in this region to enforce against DUI, especially after local sports events or high school functions.

Law Enforcement: Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and OSHP

When Are OVI Checkpoints Conducted in Ashland County?

  • Days: Mostly Friday and Saturday evenings

  • Timeframe: Typically between 9:00 PM and 2:00 AM

  • Peak Dates:

    • Fourth of July weekend

    • Memorial Day & Labor Day weekends

    • Thanksgiving Eve

    • Ashland County Fair week

    • Mohican festivals & summer river weekends

    • Ashland University events

Per Ohio law, authorities must issue advance notice of upcoming OVI checkpoints, but exact locations are often shared only hours before the operation. Media alerts and social media posts from OSHP or the local sheriff are the most common sources for location announcements.