Warning: Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over Campaign Starts Across California 8/16/24 – 9/2/24
As Labor Day weekend approaches, many Californians are gearing up for a final summer celebration—barbecues, beach trips, and family gatherings are all on the agenda. But as you make your plans, there’s something important you need to keep in mind: the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. This nationwide initiative, heavily enforced in California, aims to keep the roads safe by cracking down on impaired driving. Police across the state will be ramping up DUI checkpoints and patrols, and the consequences for driving under the influence could be severe.
What You Need to Know
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is an annual effort led by law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of drunk driving accidents, which tend to spike around holidays like Labor Day. In California, where traffic fatalities are already a significant concern, this campaign takes on even greater importance. Throughout the weekend, police will increase their presence on the roads, with a particular focus on identifying and arresting impaired drivers.
DUI Checkpoints and Patrols
One of the primary tools used during this campaign is the DUI checkpoint. These checkpoints will be set up in various locations across California, especially in areas with a history of high DUI incidents. At these checkpoints, officers will stop drivers at random to check for signs of impairment. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you’ll be arrested on the spot.
In addition to checkpoints, expect to see more patrols on the highways and local roads. Officers will be on the lookout for erratic driving, speeding, and other signs of impaired driving. With increased patrols, the chances of getting caught while driving under the influence are significantly higher during this time.
California DUI Check Points This Weekend That We Know Of
Law enforcement agencies are required by law to make a public announcement about any upcoming DUI check points. This is usually done in a local publication along with social media. While they don’t always reveal the exact location they will always have the date, time and general area.
Visiala Califonia – “Starting Friday, officers say they will begin dispatching additional officers to patrol the roadways. The extra units will be patrolling from Aug. 16 until Sept. 2.
Police also say they will be holding a DUI Checkpoint on Friday at an undisclosed location within the city. Impaired driving is not limited to alcohol intoxication, it can also be caused by prescription and over-the-counter medications, and cannabis products.” Read more.
San Joaquin County – Two Northern California agencies recently announced they will be holding DUI checkpoints in August to maintain the state’s efforts of keeping drunk drivers off the streets.
The Turlock Police Department said it will hold its checkpoint on Aug. 16 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city. The agency added that additional officers will be patrolling the city’s streets between Aug. 2 and Labor Day (Sept. 2) looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Susanville – This Saturday, August 17th, Susanville Police and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be conducting a DUI checkpoint within Susanville city limits. Officers will be checking all vehicles for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as those driving without a valid license.
The exact location of the checkpoint remains undisclosed. However, the CHP emphasizes that DUI checkpoints are an effective tool for ensuring road safety. By identifying and removing impaired and unlicensed drivers, these operations help prevent potentially life-altering collisions. Read more.
Banning – “The Banning Police Department is holding a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint this week.
The operation takes place from 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, to 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at an undisclosed location in the city.”
Burbank – “The Burbank Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Saturday, August 17, 2024, beginning at 7:00 P.M. at an undisclosed location within the city limits.
Locations for DUI checkpoints are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of these checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving while impaired.
During the checkpoint, police officers will look for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and check drivers for valid licenses.
The Burbank Police Department would like to remind the community that impaired driving is not specific to alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can also cause impairment and interfere with the ability to drive safely. Always read the warning labels on medications and follow all directions for use.
Marijuana can also cause impairment and lead to a DUI. While medicinal and recreational marijuana use is legal in California, driving while under the influence of marijuana is not.” Read more.
Victorville – “Deputies are planning to hold a checkpoint to screen drivers for sobriety in Hesperia on Friday night.
The checkpoint will take place from 5 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday at an undisclosed location within the city, according to the Hesperia Police Department.
In addition to alcohol, deputies will also be on the lookout for drivers impaired by marijuana or other substances, officials said.” Read more.
Menifee – “The Menifee Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Saturday, August 24, from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the Menifee city limits.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.” Read more
Beaumont – “The Beaumont Police Department is conducting an awareness campaign to promote safe “end-of-summer travels.” Over the next several weeks, motorists can expect crackdowns and a DUI checkpoint in the city.
The department will have additional officers on patrol from Friday, August 16, through Monday, September 2 (Labor Day), looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The additional efforts to prevent impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
In addition to patrols, the Beaumont Police Department will hold a DUI checkpoint from 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, to 1 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 31. at an undisclosed location in the city.” Read more
Union City – “Mark your calendars, drivers of Union City, as the Union City Police Department (UCPD) is ramping up efforts to keep the roads safe with a DUI/Driver License Checkpoint on August 31, according to an announcement on the department’s Facebook page. This checkpoint is part of a larger initiative targeting impaired drivers, with the placement of these checkpoints based on historical data where impaired driving incidents have been a problem, and they represent a push for greater public safety by removing potential dangers before harm can be done.” Read more.
The Consequences of a DUI
Driving under the influence in California comes with severe penalties, even for a first-time offense. If you’re arrested for a DUI, you could face:
- Heavy fines: DUI fines in California can range from $390 to $1,000, but after additional penalties and fees, the total cost can easily exceed $3,000.
- License suspension: A DUI conviction typically results in a license suspension of at least four months for first-time offenders.
- Increased insurance rates: A DUI on your record will likely cause your insurance premiums to skyrocket, and you may even be required to obtain SR-22 insurance, which is significantly more expensive.
- Mandatory DUI education programs: Offenders are often required to complete alcohol education programs, which can be costly and time-consuming.
- Possible jail time: Depending on the circumstances, a DUI conviction could result in jail time, especially if there are aggravating factors like a high blood alcohol content (BAC) or if someone was injured as a result of your actions.
What To Do If Charged With A California DUI
Get in touch with a California traffic lawyer RIGHT AWAY. They can evaluate your case. Simply because you’ve been charged with driving under the influence doesn’t make you automatically guilty. An experienced DUI lawyer can guide you through this difficult and complicated matter. Call us now for assistance.
Plan Ahead: Safe Ways to Celebrate
The best way to avoid the harsh penalties of a DUI is to plan ahead. If you know you’ll be drinking, make arrangements to get home safely. Here are a few options:
- Designate a sober driver: If you’re going out with friends, choose someone to stay sober and drive everyone home safely.
- Use a rideshare service: Apps like Uber and Lyft make it easy to get a ride home without needing to get behind the wheel.
- Public transportation: In many parts of California, public transportation is a reliable and affordable option, especially in urban areas.
- Stay overnight: If you’re attending a party or event far from home, consider staying the night rather than risking the drive home.
Final Thoughts
Labor Day weekend is a time for relaxation and fun, but it’s also a time to be responsible. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is a reminder that law enforcement is serious about keeping the roads safe from impaired drivers. By making smart choices and planning ahead, you can enjoy the holiday weekend without putting yourself or others at risk. Remember, the best way to stay safe—and keep your record clean—is to avoid drinking and driving altogether.
