DUI Checkpoint Held In Palm Springs Nov. 15

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Police will set up a checkpoint to catch impaired drivers in Palm Springs on Nov. 15, the agency announced.

The checkpoint will be held from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location, the Palm Springs Police Department said.

DUI checkpoint locations are placed in areas where impaired driving-related crashes 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.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sgt Kevin Lu said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

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.