DUI Checkpoint Planned Near Palm Desert This Week: What To Know

PALM DESERT, CA — The Riverside County Sheriff's Department's Palm Desert station will conduct a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location in Rancho Mirage later this week.

The checkpoint will be held from 6 p.m. Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday.

The location of the checkpoint was determined based on data of impaired driving-related crashes, involving either alcohol, marijuana, illegal narcotics or over-the-counter medication.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," Lt. Chris Ternes said. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety."

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI could face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and a suspended license, the department said.

A grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided funding for the program.