San Mateo DUI Checkpoint Location Announced: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — A DUI checkpoint will be held from 8 p.m. Thursday until 2 a.m. Friday in the area of 20th Avenue and S. El Camino Real, police said.

A change in the location of the checkpoint was announced Thursday morning. The checkpoint was previously scheduled to be held at 5th Avenue and El Camino Real.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests, police said.

The stated goal of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired, according to police.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” police Sgt. Craig Collom said in a statement.

“We are constantly looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is very dangerous.”

The police agency’s statement included a reminder that impaired driving is not just from alcohol, noting that some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving.

Although medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of the drug is not.

“If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home,” police said in a statement.

Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

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