Berkeley DUI Checkpoint Planned: Police

BERKELEY, CA — The Berkeley Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday night at the intersection of Adeline Street and Alcatraz Avenue, the department announced.

Announcing the location in advance has proven to decrease the number of DUIs.

According to the police department, DUI checkpoint locations are chosen by reviewing data of impaired driving-related crashes.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Lt. Tate said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

In addition to alcohol, officers will be looking for signs of impairment due to drugs including prescription medications and over-the-counter meds.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.