Police Conducting DUI Patrols This Weekend In North San Diego County

ESCONDIDO, CA — Police are conducting DUI patrols this week in Escondido.

Patrols will take place from 4 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday in the Escondido area, according to the Escondido Police Department. Officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"Strong enforcement of DUI laws remains a key part of our overall traffic safety efforts," Police Chief Ken Plunkett said in a statement. "Impaired driving crashes are entirely preventable. When someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they're not just violating the law — they're putting lives 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 the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.