The Fountain Valley Police Department will be holding a Driving Under the Influence/Drivers License checkpoint Friday, August 15, 2025 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Warner Avenue near Brookhurst Street.
The FVPD would like to remind everyone that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Driving under the influence of marijuana, over-the-counter medication and other prescription drugs is also illegal.
In California, DUI checkpoints are primarily funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). This state agency allocates grant money received from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to local law enforcement agencies for traffic safety initiatives, including DUI enforcement programs.
If you’re arrested for DUI at a checkpoint in Fountain Valley, California, the penalties are governed by California state law, and they can be quite severe depending on the circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of what you could face:
1. Criminal Penalties for First-Time DUI
If it’s your first DUI offense, typical penalties include:
- Fines and fees: Around $1,800 to $2,000 total.
- License suspension: 6 months by the DMV, plus possible court-ordered suspension.
- DUI education program: Usually a 3-month alcohol/drug education program.
- Probation: Typically 3 years of informal probation.
- Jail time: Up to 6 months, though many first-time offenders avoid jail with probation.
2. Aggravating Factors
Penalties increase if any of the following apply:
- BAC of 0.15% or higher
- Refusal to take a chemical test
- DUI with a minor in the car
- Accident or injury caused while DUI
These can lead to longer license suspensions, mandatory jail time, and longer DUI education programs.
3. Refusing a Chemical Test
Under California’s implied consent law, refusing a post-arrest breath or blood test results in:
- Automatic 1-year license suspension
- Possible enhanced penalties if convicted
4. Driving Without a License
If you’re caught without a valid license at a checkpoint:
- Infraction if you simply forgot it (can be dismissed if you prove you had one)
- Misdemeanor if you don’t have a valid license or it’s suspended/revoked
Your vehicle cannot be impounded solely for not having a license unless other charges apply.
Here’s a summary of how a DUI affects your auto insurance in California:
1. Higher Premiums
A DUI can increase your insurance rates by 50% to over 100%. On average, drivers pay around $7,700 per year after a DUI, compared to about $2,400 with a clean record.
2. SR-22 Requirement
You’ll need to file an SR-22 form to prove you have the minimum required insurance. This is necessary to reinstate your license and must be kept for 3 years.
3. Policy Cancellation or Non-Renewal
Your insurer can’t cancel your policy mid-term due to a DUI, but they can refuse to renew it or raise your rates significantly.
4. Duration of Impact
A DUI stays on your driving record for 10 years in California. Most insurers consider it for 3 to 5 years when setting rates.
5. Loss of Discounts
You’ll lose any “good driver” discounts and may be classified as a high-risk driver.
6. Reporting
You don’t have to report a DUI to your insurer, but they’ll likely find out through DMV records or when you file an SR-22.
7. How to Lower Rates
- Shop around for insurers that work with high-risk drivers
- Take a defensive driving course
- Maintain a clean record going forward