Wildomar DUI Checkpoint Planned: Stay Sober Or Get Pulled Over

WILDOMAR, CA — Lake Elsinore Station Deputies will hold a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, March 06, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city of Wildomar, officials say.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

"During the checkpoint, deputies will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs," Sgt. Carlos Garcia-Villa said. "The safety of our community is and always will be our mission. Driving under the influence is dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources."

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. 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 vehicle. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are 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.

Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to “Report Drunk Driver – Call 9–1–1.”