COSTA MESA, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2021) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) will be conducting a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. within the city limits.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“These checkpoints, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, are essential to keeping the community safe,” Sgt. Dan Miles said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”
CMPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
CMPD offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that does not involve a DUI:
- Always use a designated sober driver to get home, which could be a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, a cab or public transportation.
- If you see someone who is impaired try to drive, take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
- Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
- If you are hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor those who are drinking and how they are getting home.
- If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.
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 checkpoint is provided to CMPD by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
