SACRAMENTO, Calif. (PSN)— The Sacramento Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence checkpoint Friday night at an undisclosed location within the city.
The checkpoint will operate from 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, until 1 a.m. Saturday, according to reports.
Police select checkpoint locations using data identifying areas where impaired-driving crashes have occurred. The operation is intended to improve public safety by identifying and removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sgt. Anna Mahoney said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
Police reminded drivers that impairment can be caused by substances other than alcohol. Certain prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with a person’s ability to drive safely.
Although medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal in California, driving while impaired by marijuana remains illegal.
A driver charged with a first-time DUI may face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, along with a suspended driver’s license, according to reports.
Funding for the checkpoint was provided through a California Office of Traffic Safety grant administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Authorities encourage anyone planning to consume alcohol or use an impairing substance to arrange for a sober driver, use a ride-hailing service or remain at their location.
The checkpoint’s location has not been publicly disclosed.