Heading out for St. Patrick's Day? San Diego County Sheriff's deputies will be out in force starting Tuesday evening, conducting increased impaired driving patrols county-wide — including across East County and Santee.

The enforcement window runs from 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, through 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, according to a press release from the Sheriff's Office. Deputies will be looking for drivers impaired by alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, illegal drugs, or any combination of those substances.

The numbers behind the push are sobering. So far in 2026, 1,514 people have been arrested for impaired driving by law enforcement agencies across San Diego County. Sheriff's deputies have made 237 of those arrests. During last year's St. Patrick's Day enforcement window, 11 people were arrested and booked into county jails on suspicion of impaired driving.

A first-time DUI arrest and conviction can cost more than $15,000 in fines, legal fees, and other associated costs, according to the Sheriff's Office — not counting the potential for injury, death, or a criminal record.

The program is funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Officials are urging anyone planning to drink to arrange a designated driver, use a rideshare app, or call a cab before the night begins.