On December 12, 2025, the Tustin Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to Enter 12 a.m. at an undisclosed location.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sergeant J. Hedges said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
Tustin 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.
Here’s what drivers can expect if they are arrested for DUI at the Tustin checkpoint, and how it can affect their jobs and auto insurance:
Legal Penalties and Sentences (First Offense in California)
- Fines: Base fine of $390–$1,000, but with penalty assessments and fees, the total often exceeds $3,600.
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months in county jail (often replaced by probation for first-time offenders).
- License Suspension: Typically 6 months, plus DMV administrative suspension; restricted license may be available with an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
- DUI Education Program: Mandatory 3–9 months of alcohol/drug education classes.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): May be required for 6 months, especially if BAC ≥ 0.15% or aggravating factors exist.
- Probation: Usually 3–5 years informal probation.
- Aggravating Factors: High BAC (≥0.20%), minor in the car, or causing injury can lead to longer jail time and stricter penalties.
- Repeat Offenses: Second DUI can mean up to 1 year in jail, longer license suspension, and 18–30 months of DUI school. Third offense can lead to mandatory jail and multi-year suspension.
Impact on Employment
- Job Loss Risk: California is an at-will employment state; employers can terminate employees for policy violations or loss of required driving privileges.
- Driving-Related Jobs: Immediate termination likely if driving is part of job duties (delivery, sales, CDL positions).
- Professional Licenses: Teachers, healthcare workers, lawyers, and real estate agents may face disciplinary action or license suspension.
- Background Checks: DUI remains on criminal record unless expunged; employers often see it during hiring.
- Career Growth: DUI can hinder promotions and future job prospects; studies show applicants with DUIs get significantly fewer interviews.
Impact on Auto Insurance
- Premium Increase: Insurance rates typically rise 30% to 164% after a DUI; some drivers see costs double or triple.
- Duration: Higher premiums usually last 3–5 years, but DUI stays on DMV record for 10 years.
- SR-22 Requirement: Drivers must file an SR-22 certificate for 3 years to reinstate driving privileges, marking them as “high-risk.”
- Policy Cancellation: Some insurers may cancel or refuse renewal; drivers may need high-risk coverage or CAARP (Assigned Risk Plan).
Bottom Line: A DUI arrest can cost thousands in fines, lead to license suspension, mandatory classes, and possible jail time. It can jeopardize jobs—especially those requiring driving or professional licenses—and cause auto insurance premiums to skyrocket for years.