Temecula's 4th Of July DUI Crackdown Begins Thursday

TEMECULA, CA — Officers will begin to ramp up patrols Thursday evening on state highways and roads in and around Temecula in search of intoxicated and drug-impaired drivers celebrating over the Fourth of July weekend.

The four-day campaign is part of the California Highway Patrol's annual "maximum enforcement period," which will start at 6 p.m. Thursday and end at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.

Through the holiday weekend, the CHP said all available officers will take to the streets for targeted patrols. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department will also ramp up its DUI patrols during this period.

"Reckless driving and speeding have deadly consequences," CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said in a statement. "It's every driver's responsibility to make safe choices behind the wheel. Let's work together to prevent tragedies by always designating a sober driver and keeping our roads safe for everyone."

During last year's Independence Day enforcement period, officers arrested 1,336 motorists on suspicion of DUI statewide, compared to 1,224 arrests that occurred during the 2023 campaign, according to the CHP.

What's more, 49 people were killed in crashes within the CHP's jurisdiction during last year's Fourth of July weekend. That number was 68 in 2023.

Officers will fan out all over Riverside County beginning tonight, from the Beaumont, Blythe, Indio, Riverside and Temecula CHP stations. Personnel will patrol Inland Empire freeways, highways and unincorporated roads for this year's effort.

Duryee said the CHP will take a zero-tolerance approach to any roadway actions that put other drivers at risk, but speeding will be a major focus. A two-day enforcement action by the CHP in early June resulted in more than 12,000 speeding citations statewide, according to the agency.

"Every additional mile per hour reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of the crash," Duryee said previously.

Simultaneously, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department is deploying extra patrol cars to search for drunken drivers throughout the county.

In 2023, the department says 617 people were killed in crashes throughout the U.S. during the Fourth of July holiday period. Of those deadly crashes, 38 percent involved alcohol.

“Designating a sober driver is a simple choice that can save your life and the lives of others on the road,” Deputy Hoctor said. “Drunk driving is one hundred percent preventable. We’re asking everyone to think of their loved ones, friends, and family before getting behind the wheel. Plan to get home safely.”

The sheriff's department offered the following tips to stay safe during the holiday:

• Designate a Sober Driver: Choose someone ahead of time who will stay alcohol-free and make sure everyone gets home safely.
• Use Ride-Sharing Services or Public Transportation: If you plan to drink, use public transit or a rideshare service, or call a cab.
• Host Responsibly: If you’re hosting, offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options and make sure your guests have safe, sober rides home.
• Look Out for Others: Don’t let friends or family members drive impaired. Take their keys and help arrange a safe ride.
• Stay Alert: Watch for impaired drivers on the road and report them to local law enforcement by calling 911.

Police warn that it isn't just alcohol that can impair driving. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. And while recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of it is not.

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