DUI Checkpoint Nets 1 Arrest In Beverly Hills

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Beverly Hills Police officers made one DUI arrest during the recent DUI/Driver's License checkpoint on February 28.

The checkpoint was between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. on Santa Monica Blvd between Crescent Drive and Canon Drive. During that time 1,172 cars passed through the checkpoint and 266 vehicles were screened, the Beverly Hills Police Department news release said.

“We are committed to traffic safety and working in partnership with the Office of Traffic Safety to bring traffic enforcement and education to Beverly Hills," Beverly Hills Police Chief Sandra Spagnoli said.

Two DUI investigations were conducted resulting in one DUI arrest, police said. Four of the drivers that were screened didn't have a driver's license in their possession, and of the four drivers, two were cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license, the news release said.

"DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests," BHPD said. "Last year the Beverly Hills Police Department investigated 29 DUI Injury collisions that killed three people and injured others."

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be approximately $13,500, including fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses as well as possible jail time.

BHPD also said "DUI Doesn't Just Mean Booze." Prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, can impair and result in a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

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