DUI Checkpoint Planned In Santa Monica Friday Night

SANTA MONICA, CA — A DUI checkpoint will be planned at an undisclosed location in Santa Monica Friday night, according to police.

The Santa Monica Police Department’s Traffic Unit will conduct the checkpoint from 6 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday, officials announced.

"Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests," police said. "The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired."

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

"The Santa Monica Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe," officials said in a statement. "The safety of our community is and always will be our mission. We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk."

Police remind drivers that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving.

"Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car," police said. "While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal."

Anyone planning to drink or take medications that can impact your driving ability are urged to stay home.

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

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Santa Monica Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1’.