The Orange Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint August 22, 2025, at 1200 East Katella Avenue between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and frequency of DUI arrests. The primary purpose of a DUI checkpoint is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sergeant David Barr said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
The Orange Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
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.
How a DUI at a Checkpoint in Orange County Can Impact Your Auto Insurance
A DUI conviction—whether from a routine traffic stop or a sobriety checkpoint—triggers a cascade of consequences, and one of the most financially burdensome is the impact on auto insurance.
1. Insurance Rate Increases
Once convicted, your insurer will likely classify you as a high-risk driver, which can lead to premium increases of 100% to 300%. Some drivers report their rates doubling or even tripling after a DUI.
2. Policy Cancellation or Non-Renewal
Some insurance companies may cancel your policy outright or refuse to renew it. This forces drivers to seek coverage from non-standard insurers, which specialize in high-risk policies—often at much higher costs.
3. SR-22 Requirement
California law requires drivers convicted of a DUI to file an SR-22 form, which is a certificate of financial responsibility. This filing is mandatory to reinstate a suspended license and signals to insurers that you’re a high-risk client. Maintaining an SR-22 can further inflate your premiums.
4. Long-Term Financial Impact
A DUI conviction stays on your driving record for up to 10 years in California. During this time, insurers will continue to factor it into your risk profile, meaning elevated premiums could persist for nearly a decade.
5. Local Enforcement and Legal Nuances
In Orange County, DUI checkpoints are common and legally upheld, especially during holidays and major events. While these checkpoints must follow strict constitutional guidelines—such as advance notice and neutral stopping procedures—being arrested at one carries the same legal and insurance consequences as any other DUI.