West LA Times

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has announced that they will be conducting a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints, as stated by the SMPD, is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," emphasized the SMPD. They further added, "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety."

The SMPD also highlighted the importance of understanding that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. They mentioned, "While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal."

Drivers are reminded that the consequences of a first-time DUI charge can be severe, with the SMPD stating, "Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license."

The funding for this DUI checkpoint program was made possible by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.