DUI Checkpoint In Newark Tonight

NEWARK, CA — The Newark Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint starting at 6 p.m. tonight, and it will run until 2 a.m. tomorrow.

While not disclosing the exact location of the checkpoint, police say it was 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," police said in announcing the checkpoint.

Officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"The safety of our community is and always will be our mission," Lt. Salvador Sandoval said. "We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk."

Newark Police remind drivers that some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car.

While medicinal and recreational marijuana use are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

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

Neighboring Fremont and Union City also plan DUI checkpoints this month.