DUI Checkpoint Announced In Rohnert Park

ROHNERT PARK, CA — A DUI checkpoint is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 18 in Rohnert Park, police announced.

During the checkpoint to be held from 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, until 3 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at an undisclosed location within the Rohnert Park city limits, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, police said in a news release.

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

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

Police noted that impaired driving is not just from alcohol and that 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 car," police said. "While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. If you plan on drinking, smoking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home."

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

Funding for the checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.