DUI Checkpoint Planned In Santa Monica This Week

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Santa Monica Police Department plans to conduct a DUI checkpoint this week in an effort to get impaired drivers off the road.

The checkpoint is planned for an undisclosed location in the city from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, March 1, according to police.

Authorities decide where to conduct checkpoints based on data for incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. Impaired drivers negatively impact the safety of other road users, police said.

Police issued a reminder that impaired driving doesn't just mean drunken driving. Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving and driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal, police said.

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