OVI Checkpoints in Licking

CityOVI Checkpoint LocationDate
PataskalaOVI checkpoint tonight on State Route 16 near Park Street in Pataskala. Saturday, March 15, 2025, From 10 PM to Midnight
ColumbusComing Soon - Keep your eye here - By Licking County OVI Task ForceFriday - June 14, 2024 Tonight

 

About Licking County, Ohio

The largest city in Licking County is Newark, which is also the county seat. The area includes a variety of road types, from state routes and interstates to village roads connecting towns like Granville, Hebron, Johnstown, and Pataskala. Licking County is also home to Denison University, numerous industrial parks, and large outdoor events—all of which impact traffic patterns.

Law Enforcement Agencies That Conduct OVI Checkpoints:

  • Ohio State Highway Patrol – Granville Post

  • Licking County Sheriff’s Office

  • Newark Police Department

  • Heath Police Department

  • Pataskala Police Department

  • Granville Police Department

High-Risk OVI Checkpoint Locations in Licking County

Below are the most common areas where OVI checkpoints are set up. These are typically chosen based on historical DUI data, crash history, and how well the road can support checkpoint logistics.

State Route 79 (SR-79) – Newark to Heath

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR-79, especially the stretch between Irving Wick Drive in Heath and North 21st Street in Newark

  • Intersections include:

    • Hopewell Drive

    • Hebron Road (SR-79)

    • Cedar Run Road

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Indian Mound Mall

  • Newark Earthworks

  • Heath High School

  • Local shopping centers and chain restaurants

Why it’s targeted: SR-79 is a high-volume corridor with lots of fast food, retail, and evening traffic. It sees steady flow from both locals and Columbus commuters. DUI checkpoints are often staged in parking lots near the mall or along Hebron Road.

Agencies: Heath PD, Newark PD, OSHP Granville Post

State Route 16 (SR-16) – Granville to Newark

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR-16, especially west of Downtown Newark and near Granville, including:

    • Cherry Valley Road

    • Lancaster Road

    • Granville Road (SR-661)

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Denison University

  • Granville High School

  • Raccoon International Golf Club

  • Newark Grand Hotel area

Why it’s targeted: SR-16 is one of the main roads connecting Licking County to Franklin County (Columbus area). With Granville’s college population and Newark’s downtown traffic, this corridor often sees checkpoints during university events, football weekends, and holidays.

Agencies: Granville PD, OSHP, Licking County Sheriff

Interstate 70 (I-70) Exit Ramps – Hebron and Pataskala Area

Checkpoint Area:

  • Exit ramps and frontage roads off I-70, particularly:

    • SR-79 Interchange (Hebron exit)

    • SR-310 and SR-158 exits

    • Refugee Road and Hazelton-Etna Road (Pataskala)

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Hebron Lake

  • Truck stops and rest areas

  • Industrial parks near Etna Township

Why it’s targeted: I-70 serves as a major east-west corridor through Licking County. While checkpoints aren’t conducted on the interstate itself, off-ramps and service roads are often used for DUI enforcement. These areas offer space to pull over vehicles safely and are commonly traveled by drivers leaving restaurants or events.

Agencies: OSHP, Licking County Sheriff, Pataskala PD

Downtown Newark – West Main Street & 4th Street

Checkpoint Area:

  • W Main St, especially near South 4th Street, Union Street, and Mount Vernon Road

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Courthouse Square

  • The Midland Theatre

  • Local bars and weekend event spaces

  • Newark High School

Why it’s targeted: Downtown Newark has a concentration of nightlife, restaurants, and special events throughout the year. The street grid makes it easier for law enforcement to direct traffic in and out of a checkpoint, especially on weekend nights.

Agencies: Newark PD, OSHP

Broad Street (SR-16 Business) – Pataskala

Checkpoint Area:

  • Broad Street, near intersections with Taylor Road, Summit Road, and Watkins Road

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Pataskala Town Hall

  • Kroger shopping plaza

  • Licking Heights High School

Why it’s targeted: As a busy thoroughfare through Pataskala, this stretch of Broad Street carries both local traffic and commuters heading to or from Columbus. It’s also near residential areas and local taverns, making it a frequent checkpoint site.

Agencies: Pataskala PD, OSHP

When Are OVI Checkpoints Conducted in Licking County?

Checkpoints in Licking County are most commonly conducted:

  • On Friday and Saturday nights between 9 PM and 2 AM

  • During major holiday weekends:

    • Memorial Day

    • Fourth of July

    • Labor Day

    • Thanksgiving Eve

    • Christmas and New Year’s

  • During local events such as:

    • Denison University homecoming

    • Licking County Fair

    • Downtown Newark festivals and parades

The Ohio State Highway Patrol – Granville Post often leads these efforts, sometimes in coordination with local city police. Most checkpoint locations are chosen based on crash data, previous DUI arrest history, and road conditions that allow officers to stop and process vehicles safely.