DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint Planned In Petaluma

PETALUMA, CA — The Petaluma Police Department announced its plans to conduct a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint Thursday, Dec. 22, at an undisclosed location within the city limits.

During the checkpoint which is scheduled to take place between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., officers will look for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and will check drivers for proper licensing —delaying motorists only momentarily, Petaluma police said in a news release.

"When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes," Petaluma police Sgt. Walt Spiller said in a news release.

During 2020 in California, 780 deaths were caused by impaired driving. Nationally, the data from shows 11,654 people were killed in DUI crashes in 2020.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug-involved crashes, police said. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.

DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence, police said. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public, according to Petaluma police.

"The Petaluma Police Department encourages people who visit and enjoy Petaluma, to plan ahead and either designate a sober driver, use ride share or call a taxi to avoid drinking and driving," Spiller said. "Driving Under the Influence is 100% preventable. The Petaluma Police Department is committed to increasing overall traffic safety and reducing the number of alcohol-related collisions. We will continue our efforts to locate and identify impaired drivers."

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 to $20,000 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license, according to police.

Funding for the checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.