Last night, Nov. 7, 2025, at the Costa Mesa Police Department’s DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on 17th Street west of Westminster Avenue, a total of 275 drivers were contacted. The checkpoint yielded 10 field evaluations for impairment, 3 DUI arrests, 10 citations issued for driver’s license related violations, and 9 vehicles were impounded.
The CMPD thanks all those who drove through and were patient, a total of 551 vehicles passed through this checkpoint.
CMPD is committed to reducing injuries and fatalities on the road due to impairment. Help them to keep the streets safe for everyone, don’t drive under the influence and obey all traffic laws.
The CMPD thanks the California Office of Traffic Safety for funding this checkpoint.
Here are the likely penalties the suspects face under California law for the offenses mentioned above at the Costa Mesa DUI checkpoint:
For DUI Arrests (First Offense)
- Misdemeanor charge
- Fines: $390–$1,000 (with penalty assessments total can reach $1,500–$3,600)
- Probation: 3–5 years (informal)
- DUI school: 3–9 months
- Driver’s license suspension: 4–6 months (can apply for restricted license after 30 days)
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Up to 6 months
- Jail time: Up to 6 months (often replaced with community service or work release)
For Driving Without a License
- Infraction: Fine up to $250
- Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $1,000 fine
- Vehicle may be impounded for up to 30 days
Vehicle Impoundment
- Immediate towing and impoundment after DUI arrest is common
- Storage fees: $30–$50 per day
- Towing fees: $150–$300
- Impound duration: 1–30 days for first DUI; longer for repeat offenses
- Failure to pay fees can result in vehicle auction