DUI Checkpoint Scheduled Friday In Novato

NOVATO, CA — Police are reminding drivers to avoid impaired driving over the long weekend and will conduct a DUI checkpoint Friday evening at a yet-undisclosed location in Novato.

In a news release Wednesday, the Novato Police Department said checkpoint locations are chosen based on data reflecting previous impaired-driving crashes. Their primary purpose is to discourage people under the influence from getting behind the wheel.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," the department said in a statement. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety."

Officers remind drivers that alcohol is not the sole source of impaired driving, as some medications and over-the-counter drugs can interfere with abilities. While marijuana use is legal for people over 21, driving under its influence is not. Drivers on a first-time DUI charge can have their license suspended and pay $13,500 in fines and penalties on average.

Funding for DUI checkpoints comes from grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.