Sobriety Program Aimed at Drivers Kicks Off Friday in Arlington

A new sobriety program aimed at drivers kicks off Friday in Arlington.

The Arlington County Police Department will be cracking down on drunken motorists during the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign over the next few weeks, according to a news release issued Thursday.

Joining fellow law enforcement agencies from Friday (Aug. 15) through Sept. 1, the Arlington County Police Department will take part in the nationwide campaign. This enforcement effort, called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is in support of U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) National crackdown program on drunk driving that focuses on combining high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness through advertising and publicity. As part of the campaign, officers will take part in saturation patrols and step up DUI enforcement efforts to detect and apprehend violators.

“Although we have made progress in preventing drunk driving, too many people are still being making the irresponsible decision to drive impaired,” says Chief of Police M. Douglas Scott. “Those who choose to drink, should always designate a sober driver or use alternative transportation.”

The maximum penalty in Virginia for the first conviction for driving under the influence is 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine and a 12-month suspension of driving privileges.