Police on alert for drunk drivers in Sacramento County. Here’s when and where

Drivers in southern Sacramento County could be stopped at a sobriety checkpoint Friday night as police crack down on drunk driving.

The Elk Grove Police Department announced it will run a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint somewhere within city limits this week, and drivers may be pulled over for a screening.

Here’s what we know so far:

Where is the planned checkpoint?

Police haven’t released the exact location yet—but it will be within Elk Grove city limits.

Locations for sobriety checkpoints are typically selected based on past DUI crash data and arrest patterns, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In past years, checkpoints have often appeared on major thoroughfares such as Elk Grove Boulevard, Laguna Boulevard or near Highway 99 exits—but the department won’t confirm in advance.

When is the checkpoint going to be live?

The checkpoint is scheduled to run Friday, June 20, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday, spanning the busiest hours for weekend nightlife traffic.

If you’re driving through Elk Grove during those hours, expect possible delays or rerouting, the police department warned.

What are officers looking for?

Officers will screen drivers for signs of impairment and check for valid driver’s licenses.

The department said its focus is on removing impaired and unlicensed drivers from the road and reducing DUI-related crashes.

Drivers may also receive educational materials on the dangers of drunk or drug-impaired driving. The effort is funded through a California Office of Traffic Safety grant.

What is considered impaired driving?

Impaired driving isn’t just about alcohol. According to the Rocklin Police Department, some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can affect your ability to drive safely.

While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal in California, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Do I have to comply with police at DUI checkpoints?

California Vehicle Code 2814.2 requires all drivers to stop and undergo a sobriety checkpoint inspection when directed by law enforcement.

However, drivers are not legally required to submit to field sobriety tests, pre-arrest chemical tests, or cheek swabs at a DUI checkpoint, according to the Law Offices of Grech and Parker in Riverside.

Field sobriety tests are subjective and may not reliably determine sobriety, as noted in Bee archives.

“A police officer’s opinion can be influenced, and it’s possible that the tests were not conducted exactly according to protocol,” said Cron, Israels & Stark Attorneys at Law, which has offices in Los Angeles and Santa Monica.

Can I avoid a sobriety checkpoint?

If you have not yet been stopped, it is legal to turn around or take a different route to avoid a checkpoint, as long as it’s done safely.

There are no state or federal laws prohibiting this, according to the Shouse California Law Group.

What are penalties for driving under the influence?

The California Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend or revoke the licenses of drivers caught under the influence.

First-time DUI offenders can face an average of $13,500 in fines, fees and related costs.

How to report a suspected impaired driver

If you see someone driving erratically or appearing intoxicated behind the wheel, Elk Grove police ask that you call their non-emergency line at 916-714-5115 or dial 911 in urgent situations.

This story was originally published June 18, 2025 at 5:00 AM.