DUI Checkpoint Planned In Berkeley

BERKELEY, CA — The Berkeley Police Department will conduct a Driving Under the Influence (DUI)/Driver’s License Checkpoint from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday. The location will be on Ashby Avenue between San Pablo Avenue and 9th Street in the westbound lanes of traffic.

According to the department, DUI checkpoint locations are chosen based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired motorists endanger the lives of others on the road,” Sgt. Andrew Frankel said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

Officers will be screening drugs as well as 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.

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