Redlands police to hold DUI checkpoint Friday night

REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence checkpoint beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, and continuing until 1 a.m. Saturday at an undisclosed location.

Police said checkpoint locations are selected based on data showing areas with a history of impaired driving-related crashes. The goal of DUI checkpoints is to improve public safety by identifying and removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Traffic Bureau Sgt. Martin Gonzalez said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

The department reminded drivers that impairment is not limited to alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair driving ability. While recreational and medicinal marijuana are legal in California, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

According to police, drivers arrested for a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, along with a suspended driver’s license.

Funding for the checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.