Full Notification

Santa Maria, Calif. – The Santa Maria Police Department and the California Highway Patrol arrested 7 driver on suspicion of DUI while conducting a DUI Checkpoint, March 16th, 2024. The checkpoint was held in the 200 block of North Broadway from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. A total of 860 vehicles passed through the checkpoint and 148 drivers were screened. 

We are committed to taking impaired drivers off the road, driving under the influence is not only dangerous, but also has major consequences.
22 drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license,  vehicles were screened, and no drivers were arrested for other criminal charges.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

The Santa Maria Police Department will hold additional DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints in the upcoming months.

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

Prepared by: Jason Zickuhr, Santa Maria Police Department Traffic Sergeant