Full Notification

San Mateo, CA – September 10, 2026-The San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) arrested 13 drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) during a nearly three-week period through Labor Day weekend.

The enforcement efforts were part of a national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization campaign, where additional officers were on patrol throughout the country to take suspected impaired drivers off the road.

In addition to patrols, SMPD held a DUI checkpoint on August 21st, where 630 vehicles were screened. Four drivers were issued citations, one field sobriety test was conducted, and one driver was arrested for DUI.

Most Californians consider drunk driving as one of their biggest traffic safety concerns, with drunk driving crashes accounting for 34% of all traffic deaths in the state in 2024. This equates to about four people killed every day.

First-time charges for DUI in California are an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, which could include a suspended license.

SMPD reminds the public that impaired driving could be caused by more than just alcohol. The use of cannabis products, illicit drugs, even prescription and over-the-counter medications, can lead to impairment.

Visit www.gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information.

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