DUI/Driver License Checkpoint Coming Up In Redondo Beach

REDONDO BEACH, CA — The Redondo Beach Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, December 20, at an undisclosed location within the city limits.

RBPD wants to remind drivers that "DUI Doesn't Just Mean Booze." Prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, can be impairing enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI, police said.

"DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests," RBPD said. "Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing."

In 2017, 1,120 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes in California, police said. Since January 1, 2018, the Redondo Beach Police Department investigated 93 DUI collisions which resulted in 26 injuries, the press release said.

The Redondo Beach Police Department offers these reminders to ensure residents have a safe night out that doesn’t involve a DUI:

• Always use a designated sober driver — a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation — to get home.
• See someone who is clearly impaired try to drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
• Report drunk drivers — call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a DUI can expect the cost to be upwards of $13,500, which includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, as well as possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Redondo Beach Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.