Police step up DUI patrols during the holidays. Using extra manpower for patrols and even DUI checkpoints in many areas, law enforcement makes it clear that stopping drivers under the influence is a major priority during the holiday season.

It doesn’t matter if it’s called DUI or DWI, or something else where you live, if you drive drunk in December into the New Year, the police will be looking for you. They’ve given notice as a deterrent, and they back it up by putting more cars on the road looking for drivers under the influence.

This Low Cost Legal guide will help you understand the best ways to avoid a DUI during the holidays.

1. Don’t Drink and Drive

It’s not complicated. If you’re drinking but not driving, you won’t get busted for DUI. If you can limit yourself to a couple of drinks, then you might be okay. But if you have a tendency to overdo it, make other arrangements.

The “designated driver” idea never became a big hit, but if you have a friend that doesn’t drink or use drugs, but who likes to be at the center of the fun, ask him or her to consider being the driver. Buy the person dinner or a ticket to the party or all the soda they can drink. Make it worth their time. Otherwise, make alternate transportation plans.

2. If You’ve Had Too Much, Call a Friend or a Taxi

If you know you’ve had too much to drink, and might be a danger to yourself or other drivers or might be over the legal limit if you get stopped and tested, don’t get behind the wheel. Stop and think of what the consequences might be. Then make a call to a friend or a local taxi service in order to find a ride.

3. Celebrate and Stay the Night

If you’re planning a big holiday party, why not arrange it at a local hotel?  Hotels offer group rates for large parties. They might also have lounges to rent where you and friends and family can have your holiday party. Then, with a room booked in the hotel, you don’t have to worry about getting on the road.

4. Take a Look at DUI Penalties and DUI Lawyer Fees in your Area

What are the potential costs to you of a DUI arrest? Know the laws in your state. Many states now make jail time a possibility for a first offense. Your attorney fees to fight a DUI will run more than $6,000 in most cases, and if you lose, you’ll face additional fines and costs. You actually could be looking at over $10,000 when all said and done. Losing your driving privileges is also a real possibility. Doing a cost/benefit analysis of driving after the holiday party will help you decide that the potential costs far outweigh the benefits.

You can still have a great time celebrating this holiday season. Just don’t make the potentially fatal or very costly mistake of getting behind the wheel of a car when you’ve had too much to drink.