3 DUI checkpoints planned in Sacramento region. Here’s when and where
Law enforcement agencies in the Sacramento region will be on the lookout for drunk drivers.
The California Highway Patrol, the Rocklin Police Department and the West Sacramento Police Department will all conduct DUI checkpoints in the next few days.
DUI checkpoints aim to “promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road,” the Rocklin Police Department said in a news release.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Rocklin police Lt. Chris Osborn said in the release. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
Here’s what to know:
When will CHP hold sobriety checkpoint in Placer County?
The California Highway Patrol’s Valley Division will hold a sobriety checkpoint on Wednesday, Aug. 13, in an unincorporated area of Placer County, according to a news release from the CHP’s Auburn Area office.
“Our goal is simple: (to) ensure every person on our roads gets home safely,” Capt. Andrew McCulloch, the CHP’s Auburn Area commander, said in the release. “Our DUI checkpoint is designed to educate the public and stop intoxicated drivers before they result in injuries or death.”
CHP officers plan to check all vehicles at the checkpoint for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, “traffic volume permitting,” the release said.
The CHP didn’t disclose where the DUI checkpoint will be held, but said it targets “locations where there is an increased frequency of intoxicated drivers.”
What are dates for DUI checkpoints in West Sacramento, Rocklin?
The West Sacramento Police Department will host a DUI checkpoint from 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, to 2 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15, the agency said in a Facebook post.
In addition, the Rocklin Police Department will be on the lookout for drunk drivers from 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, to 2 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, according to an agency news release.
As of Tuesday, Aug. 12, the agencies had yet to announce exactly where the sobriety checkpoints will be held.
Rocklin police said the locations of DUI checkpoints are “based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes.”
What is considered impaired driving in California?
According to the West Sacramento Police Department, impaired driving doesn’t only involve alcohol use.
“Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving,” the West Sacramento Police Department said in its release. “While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.”
Funding for all the upcoming checkpoints was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the release said.
Do I have to comply with police at DUI checkpoints?
Under California law, 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 Packer 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.
This story was originally published August 13, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
