La Quinta DUI Checkpoint Nets 3 Arrests, 12 Citations

LA QUINTA, CA — A weekend DUI checkpoint netted 12 citations and three arrests, according to an update from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The checkpoint, staffed by sheriff's deputies stationed out of the law enforcement agency's Thermal office, was held from 6 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday at Washington Street and Avenue 47.

During the operation, 1,108 vehicles were stopped. Twelve drivers were cited for operating a vehicle without a license, two people were arrested for outstanding warrants, and one person was arrested for DUI, according to the sheriff's department.

"DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes," the sheriff's department reported. "The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads."

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

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol and/or marijuana. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving.

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

A grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided funding for the checkpoint.