On Friday night, February 13, 2026, the Santa Ana Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI)/driver’s license checkpoint. It will begin at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 1:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the City of Santa Ana.
Many people wisely opt to take their significant others out to dinner the day before Valentine’s Day to avoid the crowds. Be advised though that if you opt to do this in Santa Ana you better be very careful as to how much alcohol you imbibe!
Common Checkpoint Locations in Santa Ana
Checkpoints are strategically placed in areas with high traffic or a history of impaired driving incidents.
- Downtown Santa Ana (DTSA): Frequent enforcement occurs near nightlife districts with high concentrations of bars and clubs.
- First Street: Often targeted, particularly the stretch between Sullivan Street and Raitt Street.
- Harbor Boulevard: Intersections such as North Harbor Blvd and Hazzard Ave. are frequently listed.
- South Raitt Street: Often monitored at the intersection with West Alton Avenue.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of a DUI checkpoint is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
The Santa Ana Police Department reminds 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.
Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Legal Penalties and Financial Impacts Faced by Drivers at SAPD CDL and DUI Checkpoints
Drivers stopped at Santa Ana DUI and CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) checkpoints face immediate administrative actions and potential criminal prosecution. For 2026, California has implemented stricter oversight for DUI offenders, including extended probation and mandatory equipment requirements.
Immediate Checkpoint Penalties
If an officer at a Santa Ana checkpoint determines a driver is impaired:
- Arrest and Booking: The driver is typically arrested and transported to a local jail for booking.
- Vehicle Impoundment: The vehicle is often towed and impounded, resulting in storage and release fees exceeding $200.
- License Seizure: Under California’s “Administrative Per Se” (APS) laws, the officer will confiscate the physical driver’s license and issue a 30-day temporary permit.
- Implied Consent: Drivers are deemed to have consented to chemical testing (breath or blood). Refusal leads to an automatic one-year license suspension with no possibility of a restricted license.
Standard vs. CDL Penalties
Commercial drivers are held to a significantly higher standard, even when driving their personal vehicles.
| Feature | Standard Class C License | CDL Holders (Class A/B) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% | 0.04% (in commercial vehicle) |
| 1st Offense License | 6-month suspension | 1-year disqualification |
| 2nd Offense License | 2-year suspension | Lifetime ban |
| Restricted License | Often available with IID | Not available for CDL |
| Total Estimated Cost | $10,000 to $13,500 | Significantly higher due to lost wages |
Employment & Professional Impacts
- Immediate Termination: Most commercial driving companies have zero-tolerance policies and will terminate drivers immediately upon conviction.
- Career Shift: Because CDL holders cannot obtain restricted work licenses, a single DUI often requires a complete career change, typically to lower-paying roles.
- Professional Licensing: A DUI conviction can affect non-driving professional licenses and certifications across various industries in California.
Insurance Impacts in 2026
A DUI conviction triggers a mandatory SR-22 filing, which labels the driver as “high-risk” for a minimum of three years.
- Rate Increases: In 2026, the average monthly premium for a DUI driver in California is $180, representing a 134% to 148% increase over standard rates.
- Loss of Discounts: Insurers are legally required to remove the “Good Driver Discount” for 10 years following a DUI.
- Commercial Insurance: For CDL holders, obtaining affordable commercial coverage after a conviction is nearly impossible, making them effectively unemployable even after their license is reinstated.