Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sergeant Shane Armstrong
Traffic Unit
[email protected]
(805) 928-3781 x1209

March 13, 2026

Santa Maria, Calif. – The Santa Maria Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Checkpoint locations are selected based on data identifying areas with a high incidence of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary goal of these checkpoints is to enhance public safety by identifying and removing impaired drivers from the road.

“Impaired driving is preventable,” Sergeant Shane Armstrong said. “It’s a choice. If you’ve been drinking or taken drugs that impair your ability to drive, make the right choice by finding a sober driver or alternate transportation to take you places.”

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. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers caught driving impaired and 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.