Roving DUI Checkpoint Finds 1 Out of 10 Drivers in Violation

The Orange County sheriff's roving DUI task force set up shop in Rancho Santa Margarita and surrounding communities over the weekend.

Focusing its efforts on RSM, Mission Viejo and Lake Forest, the task force stopped 115 vehicles and arrested five people on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to Lt. Stacey Taylor, the chief of police in Rancho Santa Margarita.

"This was a very successful night with the five arrests," Taylor said. "The other contacts made and citations written are just as important because it lets the public know we are out there and making DUI arrests a priority."

In addition to the five DUI arrests, officers say they found nine unlicensed drivers, one suspended license and four other citations in the eight-hour period from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Saturday. Taylor said a typical Friday might produce one DUI in RSM because officers are busy with other calls.

"South County has the unique situation in that our DUI task force operations are always a collaborative effort, so several cities are participating together," Taylor said. "The benefit of a task force is that they solely target DUI drivers."