DUI Checkpoint To Be Held In Menifee

MENIFEE, CA — Police will set up a checkpoint to monitor for drivers impaired by drugs and/or alcohol in Menifee on May 17, officials announced Thursday.

The Menifee Police Department said the checkpoint will be held from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. that evening at an undisclosed location in Menifee.

DUI checkpoint locations are placed in areas where impaired driving-related incidents tend to happen the most. Police hope to improve public safety through this effort by removing those who may be drunk or high behind the wheel from the road.

“DUIs are extremely dangerous and can affect so many people with one bad decision and that bad decision is driving impaired,” said Menifee Police Chief Chris Karrer. “Driving while under the influence of alcohol, and/or drugs, is dangerous, potentially deadly and 100% preventable."

Karrer urges those who plan on drinking out to arrange for a ride home to avoid being arrested and facing legal challenges.

Police warn that it isn't just alcohol that can impair driving. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. And while recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of it is not.

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

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