DUI Patrols Increase This Month During Leavenworth Oktoberfest

With Leavenworth’s annual Oktoberfest starting tomorrow, the Washington State Patrol, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and Wenatchee Police Department are increasing DUI patrols up and down the Wenatchee Valley.

During the three-weekend event, the Patrol said its goal is to prevent serious injuries and fatal collisions. Extra patrols will be on-duty during the festivities, but they’re also asking citizens to report erratic driving, as impaired driving is a leading factor in traffic deaths.

The State Patrol’s Mobile Impaired Driving Unit will be in Leavenworth during the event. It’s a self-contained motor-home, equipped with breath test instruments and holding cells, that travels the state to support law enforcement agencies during DUI patrols, including Oktoberfest.

If arrested for DUI, the State Patrol said your car will be immediately towed and impounded, and you could face up to one year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. Leavenworth Oktoberfest runs the first three weekends in October.