Tustin, CA – The Tustin Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on August 22nd, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits.
DUI checkpoints have a deterrent effect, which is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug-involved collisions. Research shows that collisions involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI assignments are conducted routinely.
In the last year, there have been 47 DUI collisions within Tustin. From 08/24 to 08/25, TPD made a total of 113 DUI arrests. Of those 113 arrests, 74 DUI arrests occurred between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.
Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing, delaying motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.
Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed that more drivers tested positive for drugs that may impair driving than did for alcohol. Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent.
According to NHTSA, checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.
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.
Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, and other expenses that can exceed $13,500.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Tustin Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1’.
Here’s a summary of how a DUI at a checkpoint in Tustin, 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.