Hollister Police will conduct a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits, starting 6pm Aug. 14 and continuing until 1:30am Aug. 15.
In a statement, the Hollister Police Department said DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Hollister PD Sgt. Aurelio Melgoza said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
Police added that impaired driving can happen with not just 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, police said.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
