DUI Checkpoint Planned In Temecula

TEMECULA, CA — The Riverside County Sheriff's Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint this week in Temecula.

The checkpoint will be held from 8 p.m. Friday to 1:30 a.m. Saturday at an undisclosed location within city limits that is being selected based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests in the area, the department announced.

During the checkpoint, deputies will look for drivers that are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

"The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired," the department said. Driving under the influence "puts a strain on critical resources," the department continued.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol.

"Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving," the department said. "Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or 'operating heavy machinery,' which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal."

Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license, according the department.