Cannabis Saturation Planned For Coachella Festival Weekends

PALM DESERT, CA — As Coachella Series festival season is upon us, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Desert Station, reminds everyone to celebrate your experience responsibly and never drive under the influence of drugs.

Deputies will be looking for impaired drivers throughout the weekends of the Coachella Festival, starting Saturday. Drug-impaired driving puts everyone on the road at risk, according to Sgt. Bryan De Loss.

"Driving high has serious and deadly consequences," he says. According to the Transportation Injury Mapping System, 188 people were killed in drug-related traffic crashes in 2025 in California.

Drugs, including marijuana, can impair driving skills by slowing reaction time, reducing coordination, increasing aggressive and reckless behavior, impairing cognitive functions, and causing drowsiness, all factors that can lead to serious injuries or death in a crash.

Plan for a Safe Celebration

Before heading out to celebrate, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department suggests that you follow these tips to stay safe:

• Designate a Sober Driver: Choose someone in advance who will not be drinking or using drugs to ensure everyone gets home safely.
• Use Rideshare Services, Taxis, or Public Transportation: Rideshare apps and transit options are safe alternatives to driving after drinking.
• Look Out for Others: Don’t let friends or family members drive impaired. Take their keys and help arrange a safe ride.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 9-1-1.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the State of California in cooperation with the California Highway Patrol.

What To Know About Coachella Weekend:

Coachella Weekend Showtimes Announced: Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G

How To Escape 2026 Coachella, Stagecoach Music Fests Traffic, Crowds

Road Closures For Coachella, Stagecoach Music Festival Start This Week Through May

Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce Among Stars Spotted At Coachella 2024: Photos

'Unacceptable': Coachella Apologizes For Traffic Chaos During 2025 Heat Wave