Palm Desert Sheriff's Station Ramps Up DUI Patrols

PALM DESERT, CA — Deputies with the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station will be conducting DUI patrols from 4 p.m. Aug. 22 to 12 a.m. Aug. 23, the agency announced.

"Impaired driving is preventable," Deputy Paul Abrego said. "It’s a choice. If you’ve been drinking or consuming drugs that impair, make the right choice by finding a sober driver or alternate transportation to take you places."

The Palm Desert Sheriff's Station patrols the cities of Indian Wells, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage, along with unincorporated areas that include Agua Caliente Tribal Nation, Garnet, Mission Lakes, North Palm Springs, Painted Hills, Mission Creek, Sky Valley, South Joshua Tree, Southeast Desert Hot Springs, Thousand Palms and Whitewater.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, as well as narcotics and marijuana, can also interfere with driving, according to the agency.

Motorists caught driving impaired and convicted of a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license, according to the sheriff's office.