DUI checkpoint planned in SLO County city. Here’s when and where
Police will soon be on the lookout for drunk drivers in northern San Luis Obispo County.
The Atascadero Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint starting Friday, Dec. 19, at an “undisclosed location” within city limits, the agency said in a news release.
Atascadero police will be searching for impaired drivers who “put others on the road at significant risk,” Commander Matt Chesson said in the release.
“Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety,” Chesson said.
Here’s what to know:
When is DUI checkpoint in SLO County?
The Atascadero Police Department will run the sobriety checkpoint from 6 p.m. Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, according to the release.
Police didn’t share specifics about the location of the checkpoint but said it was selected “based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes.”
The DUI checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What is considered impaired driving in California?
Impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol use in California.
“Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving,” Atascadero police said in the release. “While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.”
What are penalties for a DUI?
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 face an average of $13,500 in fines, fees and more.
