DUI Checkpoint Scheduled In Concord, Police Say

CONCORD, CA — The Concord Police Department announced it will hold a DUI checkpoint Friday, Aug. 27.

The checkpoint is scheduled from 7 p.m. Friday until 3 a.m. Saturday on Clayton Road at Ayers Road, 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.

Because Concord PD is committed to keeping the traveling public safe, checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests, police said in the news release. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Concord police Lt. Mark Robison said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol, Concord police said. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving; always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or "operating heavy machinery," which includes driving a car, police said.

While medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home, police said.

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 the DUI checkpoint is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.