Redwood City DUI Checkpoints Planned Saturday

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Officers will conduct a DUI checkpoint at two locations Saturday in Redwood City, according to police.

The checkpoint will operate between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., first at El Camino Real and Hopkins Avenue, then at Woodside Road and Bay Road. Drivers who pass the area will be subject to screening for impairment and asked to provide a valid driver's license.

Police officials said DUI checkpoint locations are regularly chosen based on previous DUI-related crashes, with a primary goal of promoting public safety and removing impaired drivers from the road.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," said Kristina Bell, Redwood City's police chief. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety."

Officers caution that drivers can be considered impaired from substances beyond alcohol, including marijuana and certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs that can interfere with driving abilities.

Drivers charged with their first DUI can expect to have their license suspended and pay an average of $13,500 in fines and other penalties.