11 Cited At Marin-Area DUI Checkpoint - But Not For DUI

NOVATO, CA — Eleven drivers were cited during a DUI checkpoint operation over the Fourth of July weekend, but not for suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the Novato Police Department.

The July 4th holiday enforcement ran from 7 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of South Novato and Redwood boulevards, officials said.

Among stopped motorists, 11 were cited for allegedly operating a vehicle while either unlicensed or with suspended or revoked licenses, plus one driver was cited for having an open container of alcohol in their vehicle, police said.

Checkpoint locations, such as the one in Novato, are selected based on a history of crashes and DUI-related arrests, the department said.

"The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired," police said. "As businesses continue to reopen, including bars and restaurants, impaired driving remains a top traffic-safety concern."

Funding for this checkpoint was via a California Office of Traffic Safety grant, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

• ALSO SEE:Got Medicare? Get A No-Cost Test For COVID-19