Full Notification

For Immediate Release                                         7/28/2021                                                           
 
Santa Maria Police Department Holding DUI Checkpoint July 30th, 2021
 
Santa Maria, Calif. – The Santa Maria Police  Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint July 30th, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits.
 
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a 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.
 
During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The safety of our community is and always will be our mission
 
The Santa Maria Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
 
If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.
 
Drivers charged with 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.

Prepared by: Traffic Unit Sergeant Michael McGehee