DUI Checkpoint Planned In North County: Be Aware Driving In Escondido

ESCONDIDO, CA — A DUI checkpoint will be conducted this week at an undisclosed location in Escondido Thursday night and into Friday morning, the Escondido Police Department said.

The checkpoint will be held from 5 p.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Friday.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," EPD Police Chief Ed Varso said. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety."

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol, Varso noted. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

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