Police department holding DUI checkpoint Saturday

– The Paso Robles Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint on Sept. 21 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at an undisclosed location.

The location of the checkpoint is determined by data showing areas with a higher incidence of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to enhance public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Commander Ricky Lehr said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

The Paso Robles Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Certain prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving, and while both medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal.

Drivers convicted of a first-time DUI can face fines and penalties averaging $13,500, in addition to having their license suspended.

The program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.