DUI Checkpoints Planned: 1 In Banning, 1 In Unincorporated Pass Area

BANNING, CA — The Banning Police Department announced it is holding a DUI checkpoint later this month. The California Highway Patrol also announced a DUI checkpoint this weekend in an unincorporated area of the San Gorgonio Pass Area.

From 7 p.m. Dec. 30 to 1 a.m. Dec. 31, the Banning Police Department will operate a checkpoint at an undisclosed spot in the city.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Acting Banning Police Chief Derek Thesier said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

The CHP DUI checkpoint will begin at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, and will conclude at approximately 2 a.m. Dec. 23. It too will be located in an undisclosed spot.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, according to both agencies.

During the checkpoint operations, officers will look for motorists under the influence of prescription medications that interfere with driving, alcohol and/or narcotics.

Drivers convicted of a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well
as a suspended license, according to the department.

Funding for these programs was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.