Full Notification

For Immediate Release                                                           
September 1st, 2022
 
Contact: Sergeant Michael McGehee, Traffic Bureau Supervisor Santa Maria Police Department
 
The Santa Maria Police Department is holding a DUI Checkpoint September 2^nd, 2022.
 
Santa Maria Calif. – On September 2nd, 2022, the Santa Maria Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6:00 P.M. to 3:00 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. Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.
 
The Santa Maria 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.
 
Prepared by: Mike McGehee, Santa Maria Police Department Traffic Sergeant