By Lookout Staff

July 1, 2022 -- Santa Monica police will hold a DUI checkpoint this evening between 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city.

The Police Department’s Traffic Unit picks the location based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests, officials said.

The purpose of the checkpoints "is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired," said Lt. Rudy Flores, the Police Department spokesman.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, a "dangerous" condition that "puts others on the road at risk."

Alcohol is not the only cause of impaired driving, which is also caused by drugs, including marijuana, and some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs, police said.

"Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car, police said. "While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal."

"If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home."

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 checkpoint is provided to the Santa Monica Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1’.