OVI Checkpoints in Franklin

CityOVI Checkpoint LocationDate
ColumbusA sobriety checkpoint is scheduled at Henderson Rd west of Reed Rd in Columbus/Upper Arlington, OH. This area is a key boundary between Upper Arlington and Columbus, featuring a busy intersection with COTA bus service (Route 33) near 4800 Reed RdFriday, April 10, 2026 | 8 PM to 12:30 AM
Upper ArlingtonAnother OVI checkpoint is expected on Henderson Road, west of Reed Road.Friday, March 13, 2026 | 8 PM to 12:30 AM
ColumbusOVI Checkpoint at S High St & Dolby Dr Columbus, OH 43207Friday, October 24, 2025 | 8 PM to 12:30 AM
ColumbusOVI Checkpoint at E. Broad St. e/o Rosehill RdFriday, October 10, 2025 | 8 PM to 1 AM
ColumbusOVI Checkpoint at E. Main St. e/o McNaughten RdFriday, October 10, 2025 | 8 PM to 1 AM
Grove CityOVI Checkpoint on US-62 & Parlin Dr Grove City, OH 43123Friday, July 18, 2025 From 8 PM to 1 AM
Grove CityOVI Checkpoint on Parkmead Dr & Stringtown Rd Grove City, OH 43123, USAFriday, July 18, 2025 From 8 PM to 1 AM
ColumbusOVI checkpoint on Frank Road in Franklin CountyFriday, June 20, 2025 From 8:30 PM to 12 AM
Grove CityOVI Checkpoint at US 62 & Parlin DriveFriday, June 13, 2025 From 8 PM to 12:30 AM

About Franklin County, Ohio

Franklin County is home to Columbus, the capital and largest city in Ohio. The county also includes cities and suburbs like Westerville, Reynoldsburg, Dublin, Hilliard, Gahanna, Grove City, Upper Arlington, Whitehall, and Worthington. Major highways such as I-70, I-71, I-270, SR 315, and US 33 make it one of the most heavily trafficked counties in the state.

Local and state law enforcement agencies that conduct checkpoints include:

  • Ohio State Highway Patrol – Columbus and West Jefferson Posts

  • Columbus Division of Police

  • Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

  • Grove City Police Department

  • Dublin Police

  • Hilliard Police

  • Reynoldsburg Police

  • Westerville Police

High-Risk OVI Checkpoint Locations in Franklin County

Law enforcement selects checkpoint sites based on crash statistics, traffic volume, and areas with high alcohol-related activity. Below are the most common checkpoint zones, each with nearby intersections and neighborhoods drivers will recognize.

West Broad Street – West Columbus / Prairie Township

Checkpoint Area:

  • W Broad St (US 40) between Wilson Rd and Georgesville Rd

  • Also near I-270 interchanges and Westland Mall area

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Hollywood Casino Columbus

  • Doctors West Hospital

  • Broad Street Tavern, O’Connor’s Club 20

  • Westgate Park neighborhood

Why it’s targeted: This is a high-crash corridor with multiple bars and late-night spots. Drivers leaving the casino and nearby taverns are often stopped here, especially on weekends. There’s also a history of OVI-related crashes near the I-270 interchange.

Agencies: Columbus PD, OSHP, Franklin County Sheriff

Sawmill Road – Dublin / Northwest Columbus

Checkpoint Area:

  • Sawmill Rd between Bethel Rd and Hard Rd

  • Especially active near Sawmill Square Shopping Center and Tuttle Mall

Nearby Landmarks:

  • AMC Dublin Village

  • Scene75 Entertainment Center

  • Numerous bars and restaurants (Roosters, Bogey Inn, etc.)

  • Dublin Scioto High School

Why it’s targeted: This area is full of suburban nightlife and shopping centers, with heavy traffic all weekend. Police often use large commercial lots to safely stage checkpoints near Billingsley Rd or Martin Rd.

Agencies: Dublin PD, Columbus PD, OSHP

East Livingston Avenue – Reynoldsburg / Whitehall / East Columbus

Checkpoint Area:

  • E Livingston Ave from Hamilton Rd to Brice Rd

  • Near Eastland Mall and I-270

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Eastland Career Center

  • Magic Mountain Fun Center

  • East Livingston Avenue Church

  • Several bars and lounges

Why it’s targeted: This stretch cuts through several jurisdictions and has a high number of OVI crashes and impaired driving arrests. It’s also close to residential areas and commercial zones where weekend alcohol consumption is common.

Agencies: Whitehall PD, Reynoldsburg PD, OSHP, Franklin County Sheriff

High Street – Downtown Columbus / University District / Short North

Checkpoint Area:

  • N High St from Downtown to Clintonville

  • Most common near 5th Ave, King Ave, Lane Ave, and Hudson St

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Ohio State University

  • Short North Arts District

  • Newport Music Hall, Axis Nightclub

  • Multiple bars and student apartments

Why it’s targeted: This is the heart of Columbus nightlife, with dense foot traffic and high alcohol consumption, especially on weekends and OSU game days. Checkpoints often pop up along King Ave, Lane Ave, or just north of Weinland Park, where visibility is good and traffic slows.

Agencies: Columbus PD, OSHP

Hamilton Road – East Side (Whitehall / Gahanna / Reynoldsburg)

Checkpoint Area:

  • S Hamilton Rd near Broad St and Refugee Rd

  • Also extends north to Morse Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (just north)

  • Big Walnut Creek area

  • Whitehall Community Park

  • Multiple drive-through liquor stores

Why it’s targeted: Hamilton Rd has steady traffic, especially from people leaving parties, strip malls, and carryout alcohol establishments. Checkpoints are commonly placed near East Broad St or Moler Rd, where multiple lanes allow easy vehicle stops.

Agencies: Whitehall PD, Gahanna PD, Franklin County Sheriff

Georgesville Road – South & Southwest Columbus

Checkpoint Area:

  • Georgesville Rd between Broad St and Hall Rd

  • Common near Georgesville Square, Galloway Rd, and Wedgewood

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Georgesville Square Shopping Center

  • The Venue at Smith Farm

  • Urbancrest border

  • Multiple suburban clubs and lounges

Why it’s targeted: This area sees a lot of weekend party traffic, especially from event centers and music venues. It’s also a shortcut to I-270 for drivers coming from suburban areas like Galloway or Grove City.

Agencies: Columbus PD, Franklin County Sheriff

Stringtown Road – Grove City

Checkpoint Area:

  • Stringtown Rd near Buckeye Parkway and Hoover Rd

  • Also around I-71 access ramps

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Grove City Town Center

  • Beulah Park area

  • Peddler’s Bar & Bistro, Memories Bar

  • Grove City YMCA

Why it’s targeted: This is one of the top areas for DUI checkpoints in southern Franklin County, with lots of weekend restaurant/bar traffic and easy access from I-71. Law enforcement often sets up near Hoover Rd or Parkmead Dr, where parking lots offer checkpoint staging.

Agencies: Grove City PD, OSHP

When Are OVI Checkpoints Conducted in Franklin County?

Checkpoint timing depends on traffic and event activity but typically occurs:

  • Friday & Saturday nights, between 9:00 PM and 2:30 AM

  • Holiday weekends: New Year’s, July 4th, Labor Day, Memorial Day

  • Major local events: Ohio State football games, Red, White & Boom, State Fair

  • After concerts and festivals in Downtown Columbus, the Arena District, and Ohio Expo Center

Checkpoints must be publicly announced in advance by law. The Ohio State Highway Patrol, in coordination with city and township departments, releases locations through press alerts, usually a day or two before operations.