On Friday, August 29, 2025, the Santa Ana Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI)/driver’s license checkpoint. It will begin at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 1:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the City of Santa Ana.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving related crashes. 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,” Commander Joe Marty said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
The Santa Ana 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 operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Here’s a summary of what happens if you’re arrested at a DUI and CDL checkpoint in Santa Ana, California:
Legal Penalties for DUI Arrest
First Offense:
- Jail: 2 days to 6 months
- Fine: $390 to $1,000 (plus thousands more in court fees)
- License suspension: 4 months
- DUI education program: 3 to 9 months
Second Offense (within 10 years):
- Jail: 96 hours to 1 year
- License suspension: 2 years
- DUI education program: 18 to 30 months
Third Offense:
- Jail: 120 days to 1 year
- License suspension: 3 years
- DUI education program: 30 months
Other Possible Consequences:
- Mandatory ignition interlock device (IID)
- Probation
- Felony charges if injury or death occurs
Impact on Auto Insurance
- Your premium may increase by up to 148%
- You’ll be required to file an SR-22 form for 3 years (proof of insurance for high-risk drivers)
- A DUI stays on your DMV record for 10 years
- Insurance rates may stay high for 3 to 7 years
- Your insurer may cancel or refuse to renew your policy
- You may lose good driver discounts
- You might need to switch to a high-risk insurance provider