DUI checkpoint planned in Sacramento area. Here’s when and where
Police will be on the lookout for drunk drivers in the Sacramento area — as well as those without valid driver’s licenses.
The Elk Grove Police Department will conduct a sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint at “an undisclosed location within the city limits” starting Friday, July 18, the agency said in a news release.
“Let’s keep summer fun by getting everyone home safe,” the Elk Grove Police Department wrote in a Facebook post. “With the accessibility of ride shares, everyone should be making the right choice to not drive under the influence.”
Funding for the checkpoint program from a California Office of Traffic Safety grant, police said.
Here’s what to know:
When is DUI, driver’s license checkpoint in Sacramento area?
The Elk Grove Police Department will conduct the DUI and driver’s license checkpoint from 7 p.m. on Friday, July 18, to 3 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, according to the release.
“The checkpoint will focus on removing impaired drivers, as well as unlicensed drivers from the roadways,” police said.
Police offers will also hand out “educational materials covering the dangers of driving under the influence” to drivers, according to the release.
If you see impaired drivers on the road, call the Elk Grove Police Department’s non-emergency line at 916-714-5115 — or dial 911.
What is considered impaired driving?
According to the Sacramento Police Department, impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol use.
“Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving,” Sacramento police said in a July 11 release. “While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.”
Do I have to comply with police at DUI checkpoints?
Under California Vehicle Code, 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 a field sobriety test, pre-arrest test or cheek swab at a DUI checkpoint, according to the Law Offices of Grech and Parker in Riverside.
Field sobriety tests are subjective and may not accurately measure sobriety, according to 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 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.
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.
