Berkeley Police Schedules DUI Checkpoint For Thursday

BERKELEY, CA — A DUI checkpoint is scheduled for Wednesday in Berkeley to deter drunk and impaired drivers, police said.

Police say the checkpoint will be enforced from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Shattuck Avenue near Parker Street.

The department added that aside from drunk drivers, officers will be looking for anyone who may be operating their vehicle while under the influence of marijuana, prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk, Berkeley Police Department Sergeant Dave Harston said. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety."

Berkeley Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

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

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