The Seal Beach Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint on Saturday, Feb. 3 to discourage people from driving under the influence and take suspected impaired drivers off the road, authorities announced today.
The exact location for the checkpoint was not released, but the SBPD said officers would set up from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. somewhere within the Seal Beach city limits. The location will be chosen based on data that shows where DUI crashes are more likely to occur, authorities said.
At the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medication and marijuana, police said.
“We encourage everyone to plan ahead and make responsible choices,” SBPD Chief Michael Henderson said in a press release Monday morning. “If you plan to consume alcohol, please designate a sober driver, use ride-sharing services, or utilize public transportation to ensure a safe journey back home.”
Drivers charged with operating a vehicle while impaired face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties as well as a suspended license.
Funding for the checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.