Petaluma DUI Crackdown Nets Nearly 1,000 Stops, Multiple Arrests

PETALUMA, CA —Petaluma police stopped nearly 1,000 drivers and arrested two during a weekend DUI checkpoint.

Police arrested one driver for suspected DUI, a second for possession of suspected drugs and paraphernalia, and a third on a warrant.

Police said they cited five more drivers operating vehicles while unlicensed, or with a suspended, revoked, or otherwise invalid license.

Petaluma police announced the DUI sweep for Dec. 8.

Police said the location of checkpoints is based on reported incidents of impaired driving.

Although DUIs are usually linked to alcohol, police said that some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can impair driving, and that driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

The average penalties for a first-time DUI amount to $13,500, and the risk of a suspended license.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funded the operation.