DUI Checkpoint Planned In Tri-City

UNION CITY, CA — If you plan an evening out this Saturday, be sure to include a designated driver, book a cab or Uber, or make other arrangements.

The Union City Police Department will hold a DUI checkpoint this Saturday at an undisclosed location within the city limits. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs could also cause impairment.

The checkpoint will run from 5 p.m. to midnight.

The location was chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. It is described as heavily traveled, so expect delays.

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

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.