A DUI checkpoint in San Diego County. (File photo courtesy of SDSO)
The La Mesa Police Department announced plans for a DUI checkpoint somewhere in the city limits on Friday night.
Officers will be stopping drivers from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday at an undisclosed location chosen based on previous impaired-driving crashes, according to law enforcement officials.
Local police departments regularly announce checkpoints in advance because of the deterrent effect on people who might drink or smoke to excess and then get behind the wheel.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Chief Ray Sweeney said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
The department reminded the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.