The Fountain Valley Police issued 12 citations for unlicensed driving and one DUI at their last checkpoint

The Fountain Valley Police Department recently conducted a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.

Out of 681 vehicles that passed through, 650 drivers were contacted. 4 drivers were evaluated for DUI, 1 was arrested, 12 were cited for being unlicensed, 1 for driving with a suspended license, and 1 vehicle was towed.

Here’s a plain-text summary of the penalties faced by the drivers cited during the Fountain Valley DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint:

1. DUI Evaluation and Arrest

• 4 drivers were evaluated for DUI, and 1 was arrested.
  • Penalty for DUI (2025 California law):
    • First-time offense: Fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI education, and possible jail time.
    • If BAC ≥ 0.15%: Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 6 months.
    • If a minor was in the car: Mandatory 48-hour jail time.

2. Unlicensed Drivers (12 cited)

• Penalty for driving without a license:
  • First offense: Fine between $300 and $1,000, and 5 days to 6 months in jail.
  • Repeat offense: Fine between $500 and $2,000, and 10 days to 1 year in jail.

3. Driving with a Suspended License (1 cited)

• Penalty:
  • Treated as a misdemeanor.
  • Fines up to $2,000 and jail time up to 1 year.
  • Vehicle may be impounded for 30 days if prior DUI offenses are involved.

4. Vehicle Towed (1 vehicle)

• Consequences of towing:
  • Vehicle may be held for up to 30 days.
  • Owner must pay towing fees, daily storage charges, and administrative costs.
  • Must present valid ID, registration, and insurance to retrieve the vehicle.

Impact on Auto Insurance

Here’s how the violations from the Fountain Valley DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint could impact the drivers’ auto insurance:

1. DUI Arrest (1 driver)

• Insurance Impact:
  • A DUI conviction in California can raise auto insurance premiums by up to 148%.
  • The driver will be classified as high-risk, often requiring SR-22 insurance, which certifies financial responsibility.
  • The DUI stays on the driving record for 10 years, but insurance rates typically remain elevated for 3–5 years.
  • Some insurers may cancel coverage or refuse to renew the policy.

2. Unlicensed Drivers (12 cited)

• Insurance Impact:
  • Driving without a license often means the driver also lacks insurance.
  • If cited, they may be required to obtain SR-22 coverage, which significantly increases premiums.
  • Future insurance applications will reflect this violation, leading to higher rates or limited options.

3. Suspended License (1 cited)

• Insurance Impact:
  • Driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor and flags the driver as high-risk.
  • Insurers may cancel the policy or refuse to renew.
  • Even after reinstatement, premiums can remain elevated for several years.

4. Vehicle Towed (1 vehicle)

• Insurance Impact:
  • If the tow was related to a violation (e.g., DUI or suspended license), insurers may adjust premiums based on the associated offense.
  • The vehicle owner may need to file a claim for damage during towing, which could affect future rates.
  • Insurance companies may inspect the vehicle at the impound lot at no charge, as per California law.