DUI Checkpoints, Holiday Enforcement Starts This Week: RivCo Sheriff

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Riverside County Sheriff's Department announced Monday that the Jurupa Valley Station will conduct an upcoming DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city.

According to the department, the overnight checkpoint starts on Friday at 8 p.m. at a location with notable data patterns of impaired driving-related crashes.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," Sgt. Ignacio Robles said in a statement. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety."

Another DUI checkpoint was slated for Temecula on Friday, also starting at 8 p.m., according to the department.

Impaired driving includes driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, and some prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs.

According to police, a first-time DUI charge could result in about $13,500 in fines and penalties, and impaired drivers could also have their licenses suspended.

Also, in Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, and across the county, the sheriff's department wanted to remind public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

From December 11 through New Year’s Day, the Jurupa Valley Station and across the county will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, they said.

The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, which aims to stop suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk.

“During the holiday season, we see families and loved ones coming together to celebrate, and our goal is to make sure everyone gets home safely,” said Sergeant Andrew Sullivan. “Impaired driving isn’t just dangerous; it’s illegal. Let’s make this a joyful and safe holiday season for everyone on the road. We urge people to act responsibly and plan a sober ride home.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a “go safely” game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products, and other drugs may also cause impairment. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9–1–1.

A grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds this program.