DUI Checkpoint Scheduled Friday In Encinitas

ENCINITAS, CA — A DUI checkpoint is scheduled Friday night in Encinitas.

The checkpoint is set from 7 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday at an undisclosed location in the city, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. During the checkpoint, deputies will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, according to the department.

"The city of Encinitas has a high number of alcohol-related traffic incidents," Sgt. Jeremy Collis said in a news release. "The amount of DUI-related arrests and collisions that occur along the coastal region are among the highest in San Diego County."

More than 200 drivers have been arrested for DUI during the past 18 months in Encinitas, Collis said. During that time, there have been more than 100 DUI collisions in Encinitas that have injured around 30 people.

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