Alexandria Police Plan Mobile DWI Enforcement Tuesday Night

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PHOTO of Margarita from The Wicked Noodle

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Tuesday is Cinco de Mayo, a big night for celebrating with tequila or a margarita with side of chips and salsa. 

It commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla; but most Mexicans will tell you it’s a day celebrated more in the United States than in Mexico. (Mexico celebrates its independence day on Sept. 16.) In 2014, Cinco de Mayo happened to be the biggest non-winter drinking day of the year, and it’s in the top five drinking holidays in general, according to a report by CNN.

On Tuesday, Alexandria police will conduct a mobile DWI enforcement effort to deter and apprehend intoxicated drivers. The DWI crackdown will begin at 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, and continue until 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6. Motorists will be stopped and drivers will be checked to assure that their abilities to drive have not been impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Chief of Police Earl L. Cook reminds drivers that 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. In addition, there are mandatory jail terms associated with these offenses, depending upon the blood alcohol content of the driver. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles administrative fees may apply as well.