CHP will be on the lookout for drunk drivers in Sacramento area. Here’s when and where
The California Highway Patrol will be on the lookout for drunk drivers in the Sacramento area over the weekend.
Officers with the CHP’s Auburn office will conduct a DUI checkpoint in an unincorporated area of Placer County, the agency said in a news release.
“A sobriety checkpoint is proven to be an effective tool for achieving this goal and is designed to augment existing patrol operations,” the CHP said in the release.
Here’s what to know:
When is DUI checkpoint in Placer County?
The CHP will conduct its impaired-driving checkpoint on Saturday, Dec. 28.
The time of the checkpoint will not be made public until after 4 p.m. Saturday, the agency said.
“All vehicles will be checked for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs,” CHP Capt. Andrew McCulloch said in the release.
“Our objective is to send a clear message to those individuals that choose to drive under the influence,” McCulloch said. “You will be arrested and taken to jail.”
Funding for the checkpoint program is provided from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the CHP said.
What is considered impaired driving?
The use of the following substances can be considered grounds for impaired driving:
Alcohol
Cannabis
Controlled substances
Prescriptions medications
Over-the-counter drugs or medications
Can I avoid DUI checkpoints?
The Shouse California Law Group said that DUI checkpoints are legally avoidable as long as a driver hasn’t been stopped by law enforcement or approached the checkpoint. If this is the case, drivers could legally turn around or find another route—as long as it is safe to do so.
In other words, if you see a checkpoint and there’s a place to turn around, you have the right to do so. But once you approach the checkpoint, you must continue through.
Do I have to comply with police at DUI checkpoint?
California Vehicle Code 2814.2 says all drivers must stop and submit to a sobriety checkpoint inspection when law enforcement requires it.
However, a driver is not legally obligated to submit to field sobriety tests, pre-arrest breath tests or cheek swabs at a DUI checkpoint, according to Shouse California Law Group.
Read more: Do I have to comply with law enforcement at a DUI checkpoint? See what California law says
Can I avoid a drunk driving checkpoint?
If a driver has not yet been stopped by law enforcement, there are ways they can avoid the checkpoint.
There is no state or federal law that prohibits someone from turning around or finding another route — as long as it is safe to do so — to avoid a DUI checkpoint, according to Shouse California Law Group.
Read more: California driving laws: Red lights, merging, car tags and more. Here are the rules
What are penalties for driving under the influence?
If you are stopped by law enforcement for driving under the influence of intoxicants, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has the authority to revoke or suspend your driving privilege.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI can also face an average of $13,500 in fines, fees and more.