Over 400 Vehicles Screened During DUI Checkpoint In San Mateo County

SAN CARLOS, CA — More than 400 vehicles were screened during a San Mateo County Sheriff's Office checkpoint for driving under the influence, which was conducted over the weekend in San Carlos, according to the agency.

The checkpoint took place between 6 p.m. Friday and 2 a.m. Saturday in the 100 block of San Carlos Avenue, police said.

Overall, the checkpoint yielded the following, according to the sheriff's office:

• 458 vehicles screened;
• 17 field sobriety tests conducted;
• No drivers found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• One driver cited for driving on a suspended license;
• Three drivers cited for license not in possession;
• Two drivers cited for operating a vehicle while unlicensed;
• One vehicle stored/impounded.

"Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license," the sheriff's office said in a news release. "Drivers are reminded to never drive under the influence. If you’re thinking about consuming alcohol, make a plan beforehand. Use a rideshare service, a taxi or designate a driver to get home safely."

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