Secret Holiday DUI Checks, New Rules Of The Road

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — November marks the start of holiday cheer leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas — and with them DUI alerts.

Drivers passing through towns and cities around Sonoma County can expect to see checkpoints.

The Santa Rosa Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint on Friday, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location.

Police said DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The checkpoints are meant to increase public safety by taking drivers under the influence off the road where they pose a significant risk to others.

The rules of the road have changed when it comes to what police are looking for.

"Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety," Santa Rosa police said in a statement.

In addition to alcohol, prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs can impair motorists, according to police. While medical and recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal, according to a holiday police campaign to increase roadway safety.

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