Sheriff's Labor Day DUI Enforcement Period Under Way

SAN DIEGO, CA — With the unofficial end of summer almost here, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department announced it is stepping up efforts to stop impaired drivers from hitting the road leading up to Labor Day.

Increased DUI patrols by deputies across the county began Friday and will continue through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5.

In North County, deputies will also be holding DUI checkpoints in Vista on Saturday, Aug. 27 and in Encinitas on Friday, Sept. 2.

During the Labor Day enforcement period in 2015 — Aug. 21 to Sept. 7 — deputies arrested 85 people on suspicion of driving under the influence. During the same period in 2014 — Aug. 15 to Sept. 1 — 83 drivers were arrested for DUI by the Sheriff's Department.

"There is no excuse for impaired driving," said Sheriff Bill Gore. "The Sheriff's Department has a zero tolerance policy. You will go to jail if our deputies catch you drinking and driving."

Sheriff's officials urged people who plan to drink to have a designated driver ready, call a taxi or ridesharing service, or utilize NCTD or MTS public transportation.

Also during this Labor Day period, sheriff's officials said to be aware of San Diego County's social host ordinances. Anyone caught serving alcohol to a minor will be arrested and booked into jail. Underage drinking can be reported to the Sheriff's Department by calling its non-emergency line at 858-565-5200.

Funding for the Labor Day DUI checkpoints/patrols is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Image via San Diego County Sheriff's Department, Vimeo