OVI Checkpoints in Pickaway

CityOVI Checkpoint LocationDate
CirclevilleOVI Checkpoint at Lancaster Pike in CirclevilleFriday, June 27, 2025 From 8 PM to 10 PM
CirclevilleNear Lancaster Pike, Circleville, OH 43113Tonight 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM - Friday, June 30, 2023

 

Pickaway County sits just south of Columbus, Ohio, and serves as a key commuter and travel corridor for drivers heading between Central Ohio and southern parts of the state. While it has a rural character, OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) enforcement is very active here due to the county’s proximity to nightlife in Columbus, its highway access, and seasonal events like fairs, races, and festivals.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, in coordination with the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, regularly sets up checkpoints and saturation patrols in strategic areas—especially on routes like US-23, SR-56, and SR-104 where impaired driving has historically been a concern.

About Pickaway County, Ohio

Pickaway County includes a mix of rural highways, villages, and the city of Circleville, which is also the county seat. The county is well-known for hosting the Circleville Pumpkin Show, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each fall.

Towns and villages in Pickaway County include:

  • Circleville

  • Ashville

  • South Bloomfield

  • Commercial Point

  • Darbyville

  • Williamsport

  • New Holland

  • Tarlton

These communities are connected by a web of well-traveled state and U.S. routes that also serve as through-traffic corridors for drivers heading to Columbus, Chillicothe, and beyond.

Major Roads Where OVI Checkpoints Are Conducted

Targeted roads and highways in Pickaway County:

  • US-23 (main north-south route to Columbus and Chillicothe)

  • SR-56 (east-west through Circleville and Tarlton)

  • SR-104 (parallels Scioto River and connects Columbus to Circleville)

  • SR-762 (serves Ashville and Commercial Point areas)

  • SR-22 (east-west across the northern part of the county)

  • SR-316 (connects Ashville, South Bloomfield, and Orient)

Law Enforcement Agencies Conducting Checkpoints:

  • Ohio State Highway Patrol – Circleville Post

  • Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office

  • Circleville Police Department

  • Ashville and South Bloomfield Police Departments

High-Risk OVI Checkpoint Locations in Pickaway County

Below are the high-priority areas where checkpoints are commonly set up, especially during weekends, holidays, and local events.

US-23 Corridor – Between Circleville and South Bloomfield

Checkpoint Area:

  • US-23 near:

    • SR-762 intersection (south of South Bloomfield)

    • Main Street overpass in South Bloomfield

    • Northern Circleville city limits

    • Roundtown area approaching Kingston Pike

Nearby Landmarks:

  • South Bloomfield business strip

  • Walmart and retail centers

  • Restaurants and fast-food areas

  • Hotels used by event travelers

Why it’s targeted:
US-23 carries heavy north-south traffic between Columbus and Chillicothe and is a known DUI corridor, particularly after bar close times in Columbus. Drivers heading back south into Circleville often encounter checkpoints or increased patrols near intersections and township roads.

Agencies: OSHP Circleville Post, Pickaway County Sheriff

Circleville – SR-56 & Downtown Area

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR-56 (Main Street) near:

    • Court Street

    • North Pickaway Street

    • US-22 and SR-188 intersections

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Circleville Pumpkin Show downtown area

  • Local bars and restaurants

  • Courthouse and City Hall

  • High school and fairgrounds

Why it’s targeted:
Circleville sees a large influx of visitors during the Pumpkin Show and other community events. SR-56 and US-22 act as primary entry and exit points. Police commonly focus on these routes during weekends and after public gatherings.

Agencies: Circleville PD, OSHP

Ashville and Commercial Point – SR-762 & SR-316

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR-762 near:

    • Intersection with SR-23

    • Ashville Pike near East Street

  • SR-316 in Commercial Point near:

    • Walker Road

    • Downtown Commercial Point

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Ashville Elementary School

  • Local pubs and small businesses

  • Subdivision entrances off main road

  • Village parks and pavilions

Why it’s targeted:
Ashville and Commercial Point are bedroom communities for Columbus commuters and have growing nightlife scenes with local taverns. Weekend traffic increases especially during football season and summer celebrations. Roads like SR-762 and SR-316 provide direct access back toward Columbus and are popular DUI enforcement routes.

Agencies: Ashville PD, Pickaway County Sheriff, OSHP

SR-104 – Between Darbyville and Circleville

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR-104 near:

    • Ringgold Southern Road

    • Canal Road (near Scioto River)

    • Entrance to SR-22 east of Circleville

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Remote residential areas

  • River access roads and rural hangout spots

  • Convenience stores and party venues

Why it’s targeted:
SR-104 runs close to the Scioto River and is a known back route used by drivers avoiding US-23. Officers focus on rural checkpoints here, especially during summer, when river parties and bonfires attract younger crowds. It’s also a cut-through for drivers leaving west Columbus.

Agencies: OSHP, Pickaway County Sheriff

Williamsport & SR-56 West

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR-56 west of Circleville toward:

    • Yankeetown Pike

    • CR-24 and Westfall Road

  • SR-207 junction near the Pickaway/Fayette County line

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Open fields and country roads

  • Access to Deer Creek State Park

  • Williamsport town center

Why it’s targeted:
Checkpoints here are usually seasonal, often connected to holiday weekends, camping traffic, or nearby events. SR-56 west is used by people traveling to and from Deer Creek Lodge and outdoor gatherings.

Agencies: OSHP, Pickaway County Sheriff

When Are OVI Checkpoints Conducted in Pickaway County?

You’re most likely to encounter OVI checkpoints in Pickaway County during:

  • Friday and Saturday nights, especially 9 PM to 2 AM

  • Holiday weekends, including:

    • Fourth of July

    • Labor Day

    • Memorial Day

    • New Year’s Eve

  • Circleville Pumpkin Show and local festivals

  • Deer Creek events and lake season traffic

The Ohio State Highway Patrol – Circleville Post takes the lead on most checkpoint operations in the county, working with local police departments and the Sheriff’s Office for coverage and manpower.