Sobriety Checkpoint Set For Feb. 19 In Prince William County

DUMFRIES, VA — Prince William County police will operate a sobriety checkpoint Thursday night in the Dumfries area, the department warned drivers.

The checkpoint will run from about 7 to 11 p.m., the department said on social media.

"These efforts are part of law enforcement's continued message to deter drunk and impaired driving. Drive sober, or get pulled over," police said.

The Prince William County Police department regularly conducts checkpoints throughout the county in an effort to discourage drunken driving among residents.

The state's drunken driving laws are among the harshest in the nation, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles said. If a driver is convicted for a first DUI offense, the minimum punishment includes a $250 fine and a revocation of the driver's license for one year. A DUI conviction can also require the installation of an ignition interlock device.

Fighting a DUI charge can prove to be costly. According to the Virginia DMV, a DUI can cost between $5,000 and $20,000.