Oceanside, CA–The Oceanside Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on March 12 from 6 p.m. to midnight at an undisclosed location within Oceanside city limits.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired, Oceanside police said in a news release.
During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and-or drugs.
With the easing of stay-at-home restrictions and more bars and restaurants being allowed to open, the Oceanside Police Department is committed to keeping the public safe.
“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Sgt. Rick Davis said. “We are still out there in the middle of a pandemic because driving under the influence is still dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources.”
The Oceanside Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. The public is advised to follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or operating heavy machinery, which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
The police department advises the public to stay home if they plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact their ability to drive safely.
Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for the DUI checkpoint program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.