Oakland, Calif. – On August 15th, the Oakland Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint from 6:00pm to 3:00am at an undisclosed location.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” A/Lt. Greg Bellusa said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
The Oakland Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
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 program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.