Irvine, Calif. (July 22, 2025) – The Irvine Police Department (IPD) will conduct a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driver’s License checkpoint as part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to reducing injuries and deaths caused by impaired drivers.
The checkpoint will take place on Friday, July 25, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. around Culver Drive and Barranca Pkwy.
The checkpoint will be clearly marked, and vehicles will be screened using a pre-set selection process to ensure objectivity. Trained officers will direct drivers suspected of impairment to a secondary area for further evaluation. Most motorists will experience minimal to no delay.
DUI checkpoints are strategically placed in locations based on collision statistics and DUI arrest data. Officers will be screening for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and verifying proper driver licensing.
The Irvine Police Department encourages the public to follow these safety tips to ensure a safe night out:
- Always use a designated sober driver—whether a friend, ride-share, taxi, or public transportation.
- See someone who appears impaired and about to drive? Take the keys and help arrange a safe ride home.
- Report drunk drivers—Call 911.
- Hosting a gathering? Offer non-alcoholic drink options and monitor how your guests are getting home.
- This checkpoint is made possible through grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
About Irvine
Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 310,250 that spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of Great Park. For more information, please visit cityofirvine.org.
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction at a DUI checkpoint in California can have a severe and long-lasting impact on your auto insurance. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
1. Major Insurance Rate Increases
- A DUI conviction in California typically causes auto insurance premiums to spike by 164%, raising the average annual cost from $1,868 to $4,937.
- This increase is much higher than the national average of a 65% hike.
2. High-Risk Driver Classification
- Insurers will classify you as a “high-risk” driver, which not only increases your premiums but may also limit your options for coverage.
- Some insurers may cancel your policy or refuse to renew it after a DUI.
3. SR-22 Requirement
- California requires drivers with a DUI to file an SR-22 form, a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry the state’s minimum liability insurance.
- Not all insurers offer SR-22 filings, and those that do may charge additional administrative fees.
4. Long-Term Financial Impact
- A DUI stays on your DMV record for 10 years, during which time you may face elevated insurance rates.
- Over that decade, the cumulative cost of higher premiums can exceed $30,000 depending on your insurer and driving history.
5. Limited Insurance Options
- You may need to turn to the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP) if you’re unable to find coverage on the open market. CAARP provides access to insurance for high-risk drivers but at significantly higher costs.
6. Strategies to Mitigate Costs
- Defensive driving courses may help reduce premiums slightly.
- Maintaining a clean driving record post-DUI is essential to gradually lower your rates over time.