The Huntington Beach Police Department will hold a CDL/DUI Checkpoint on Friday, August 22nd, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on the 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.
The Huntington Beach Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.
The safety of our community is and always will be our mission. We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.
The Huntington Beach Police Department 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.
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 program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Here’s a summary of how a DUI at a checkpoint in Huntington Beach, CA can affect your auto insurance:
Auto Insurance Effects:
- Premium Increase: A DUI can raise your insurance rates significantly—often by 100% or more.
- High-Risk Driver Status: You’ll be labeled a high-risk driver, which limits your options and may require special insurance.
- SR-22 Requirement: You’ll likely need to file an SR-22 form to prove you have the minimum required coverage. This is mandatory for license reinstatement and must be kept for 3 years.
- Policy Cancellation: Your insurer can refuse to renew your policy after a DUI.
- Long-Term Impact: A DUI stays on your driving record for 10 years and affects insurance rates for 3 to 7 years.
Legal Considerations at Checkpoints:
- DUI checkpoints are legal in California but must follow specific rules (e.g., public notice, neutral vehicle selection).
- You must stop at a checkpoint but can refuse field sobriety tests.
- Refusing a post-arrest chemical test leads to a one-year license suspension.
- You can legally avoid a checkpoint if done safely and without breaking traffic laws.