OVI Checkpoints in Hancock

CityOVI Checkpoint LocationDate
FindlayA DUI checkpoint was active on Tiffin Avenue in Findlay, monitoring traffic from nearby Hancock County neighborhoods.Friday, July 18, 2025 From 8 PM to 12 AM
FindlayOVI checkpoint will be held tonight, on Main Street, in the City of Findlay, Hancock CountyFriday, August 23, 2024 From 8 PM to 12 PM
FindlayS Main St Ohio 45840Fri, Aug 25, 2023, From 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM

 

About Hancock County, Ohio

Hancock County is located in northwest Ohio, with Findlay serving as the county seat and economic hub. The area is bisected by Interstate 75, making it a common corridor for long-distance travel and weekend traffic. Smaller communities like Arlington, Van Buren, Rawson, Mount Blanchard, and McComb also contribute to local traffic patterns.

The county sees a mix of city congestion and rural roadways, which affects where and when law enforcement sets up sobriety checkpoints.

Law Enforcement Agencies That Conduct OVI Checkpoints:

  • Ohio State Highway Patrol – Findlay Post

  • Hancock County Sheriff’s Office

  • Findlay Police Department

  • Additional support from local village police departments when necessary

High-Risk OVI Checkpoint Locations in Hancock County

The following areas have historically seen repeated OVI checkpoints or are commonly selected due to past incidents, heavy traffic flow, or proximity to nightlife and events.

Interstate 75 Corridor – North and South Findlay

Checkpoint Area:

  • I-75, particularly around Exits 157 (SR 12/W. Main Cross St) and 159 (US 224/Tiffin Ave)

  • Access roads include County Road 99, Broad Avenue, and Trenton Avenue

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Findlay Village Mall

  • University of Findlay

  • Numerous hotels, gas stations, and chain restaurants

  • Distribution centers and industrial parks on County Rd 99

Why it’s targeted: I-75 carries a high volume of regional and out-of-town drivers, especially during holidays and university events. Law enforcement often targets this corridor for weekend checkpoints near on-ramps and exits where drivers can be safely stopped without disrupting interstate flow.

Agencies: OSHP (Findlay Post), Hancock County Sheriff

Tiffin Avenue (US 224) – East Findlay

Checkpoint Area:

  • Tiffin Ave (US 224) between County Road 236 and Bright Road

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Eastowne Plaza Shopping Center

  • Kroger Marketplace

  • Findlay Toyota

  • Dozens of fast-food and casual dining establishments

Why it’s targeted: Tiffin Avenue is a heavily commercial stretch that sees significant evening and weekend traffic. With restaurants and bars clustered in this corridor, it’s a frequent location for OVI checkpoints, particularly near Lamberjack Dr, Crystal Ave, or County Road 236 where traffic control is manageable.

Agencies: Findlay Police Department, OSHP

Main Street / South Blanchard Street – Downtown Findlay

Checkpoint Area:

  • South Main St and South Blanchard St between 6th St and US 68 / Lima Ave

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Hancock County Courthouse

  • Marathon Petroleum HQ

  • Riverside Park

  • Downtown bars and restaurants

Why it’s targeted: This area draws downtown nightlife and weekend traffic, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. OVI checkpoints are often placed at or near Main St & Lincoln St, Main St & 6th St, or South Blanchard St, especially during Findlay events like ArtWalk or Riverside Wine Festival.

Agencies: Findlay PD, Hancock County Sheriff

County Road 99 – North Findlay Industrial Zone

Checkpoint Area:

  • CR 99 near Bright Rd, Speedway Dr, and access to I-75 North Exit 161

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Whirlpool Corporation

  • Blanchard Valley Hospital

  • Multiple hotels and truck stops

Why it’s targeted: This stretch includes logistics centers, which are busy late at night with employee shift changes and truck traffic. OSHP and the Sheriff’s Office occasionally run checkpoints here to catch impaired drivers entering or exiting the city via I-75 or CR 236.

Agencies: OSHP, Hancock County Sheriff

US Route 68 – Arlington to Findlay Corridor

Checkpoint Area:

  • US 68 South, particularly between Arlington, Mount Blanchard Rd, and Lima Ave

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Liberty-Benton Local Schools

  • Arlington High School

  • County fairgrounds and event fields

Why it’s targeted: US 68 is a rural route that becomes busy during agricultural fairs, school events, and weekends. It connects multiple villages to Findlay, and is often used by drivers avoiding the interstate. Checkpoints are usually placed near intersection turn lanes or farm market lots for safety.

Agencies: Hancock County Sheriff, OSHP

West Trenton Avenue – West Side Findlay

Checkpoint Area:

  • W. Trenton Ave (SR 12) near Broad Ave, W. Main Cross, and Interstate 75 ramps

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Emory Adams Park

  • Coffee Amici

  • Findlay High School

  • Restaurants and convenience stores

Why it’s targeted: West Trenton Avenue is a connector between downtown Findlay and I-75, and is heavily used in the evenings. This corridor also includes a mix of residential traffic and drivers from nearby events or sports leagues, especially during spring and summer.

Agencies: Findlay PD, OSHP

When Are OVI Checkpoints Held in Hancock County?

Expect OVI checkpoints most often:

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

  • During university events, high school football games, or community festivals

  • Around holidays like Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving weekend, and New Year’s Eve

  • When major construction or detours shift more traffic onto local roads

Final checkpoint details are typically released day-of by the Ohio State Highway Patrol or local law enforcement, with prior notice given at least 24 hours in advance.