DUI Checkpoint Scheduled Friday In Carlsbad

CARLSBAD, CA — Carlsbad police will conduct a DUI checkpoint Friday night as part of an effort to identify and remove suspected impaired drivers from the road.

The checkpoint is set from 6 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday at an undisclosed location in the city, according to the Carlsbad Police Department.

Checkpoint locations are selected based on data showing where impaired-driving crashes have occurred, police said.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," Sgt. Conrad Page-DeMorst said. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety."

Police reminded drivers that impairment can result from alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal, even though recreational marijuana is legal in California.

A first-time DUI can result in an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended driver's license, according to police.

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