Police To Conduct DUI Checkpoint In Murrieta

MENIFEE, CA — Police will conduct a checkpoint to catch drivers intoxicated or under the influence of drugs in Menifee on Saturday, Oct. 4, officials announced this week.

The Murrieta Police Department said the patrol period will take place from 7 p.m. to midnight at an undisclosed location, which is determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes.

"DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes," police wrote in a social media post this week. "The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road. Prevention measures like this reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads and significantly improve traffic safety."

Police hope to improve public safety through this effort by removing those who may be drunk or high behind the wheel from the road.

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.