Full Notification

The South Pasadena Police Department will have additional officers on patrol from December 16, 2020, to January 1, 2021, looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs. DUI patrols will occur throughout South Pasadena and Los Angeles County.

The Police Department will also operate a DUI/driver license checkpoint in the 400 block of Fair Oaks Avenue, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., on Saturday, December 19, 2020.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are conducted in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment while also checking drivers for proper licensing.

In 2018, 1,069 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit (.08 or above).

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid a crash:
• Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab, or public transportation – to get home.
• Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.
• Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI charge is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

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