The Santa Maria Police Department is holding DUI Checkpoint August 31st, 2024 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30th, 2024
The Santa Maria Police Department is holding DUI Checkpoint August 31st, 2024
Santa Maria , Calif. – On August 31st, 2024, the Santa Maria Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6 P.M. to 2 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 improve 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: SMPD Traffic Sergeant Michael McGehee
Address/Location
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-928-3781