DUI Checkpoint Planned For Santa Monica Friday: See Location

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica police will conduct a DUI checkpoint Friday night as officers target impaired driving ahead of the weekend.

The checkpoint will be held in the 1800 block of Lincoln Boulevard from 6 p.m. Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday, Santa Monica police Lt. Lewis Gilmour confirmed to Patch.

“Santa Monica’s streets are shared by drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians every day,” Police Chief Darrick Jacob told Patch. “A DUI checkpoint is one way we reinforce a simple expectation: If you have been drinking or using any substance that may impair you, do not drive. Plan ahead, arrange a safe ride and help us protect everyone traveling through our community.”

DUI checkpoint locations are generally selected based on data showing where impaired-driving-related crashes have occurred, according to the Santa Monica Police Department. Police say checkpoints are intended to promote public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road and deterring people from driving while impaired.

Police also warn that impairment is not limited to alcohol. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can interfere with a person's ability to drive safely. Although medicinal and recreational cannabis are legal in California, driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal.

A first-time DUI charge can result in an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties as well as a suspended driver's license, according to SMPD.

The checkpoint is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Gilmour said.