Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4-13-2019


DUI Checkpoint Nets 0 Arrests

Santa Maria Calif. – Santa Maria Police Department arrested 0 DUI for alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, 486 vehicles were screened while conducting the DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on 4-12-2019. The checkpoint was at 500 E. Main Street between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

In addition, 0 drivers were cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license, 0 Suspects arrested for illegal drugs, 0 Arrested on other Criminal Charges, 2 Citations issued, 0 vehicles towed.

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Last year the Santa Maria Police Department investigated 191 DUI collisions that killed 4 people and injured 32 others.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be approximately $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

The Santa Maria Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, can impair and result in a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

The Santa Maria Police Department will be conducting another DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint or DUI Saturation Patrol on Friday May 3, 2019 in our ongoing commitment to take suspected impaired drivers off our streets and highways, ultimately lowering the risk for deaths and injuries.

Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.


Phillip C. Hansen,

Chief of Police

PH/ds

Contact Person: Sergeant Duane Schneider, Traffic Bureau Supervisor
Santa Maria Police Department

Telephone Number: (805) 928-3781 Ext. 1176

E-mail Address: [email protected]