The San Diego Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, September 11th, 2020, at an undisclosed location within the city of Vista between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Checkpoint locations are based on history of DUI crashes and arrests. During the checkpoint, deputies will look for drivers with symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, as well as check drivers for valid licenses. So far in 2020, 4,031 people have been arrested across San Diego County for impaired driving. The Sheriff’s Department made 524 of those arrests.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid a DUI:
San Diego County SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
• Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
• Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.
• Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.
A DUI charge is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.
Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Office of Traffic Safety and local law enforcement urge drivers to “Report Drunk Drivers. Call 911.” You may direct any questions regarding the checkpoint to Sergeant Hernan Gonzalez.
