CCPD, PSPD to Hold DUI Checkpoints

Cathedral City Police and Palm Springs Police Departments to Hold DUI Checkpoints

COACHELLA VALLEY — A pair of DUI Checkpoints will be set up in Cathedral City and Palm Springs later this month — both at undisclosed locations. 

On Sept. 22, the Cathedral City Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits.

The Palm Springs Police Department will hold a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, Sept. 29 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits of Palm Springs.

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,” Cathedral City Police Chief George Crum said a statement.  “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

Cathedral City Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from 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.

Funding for both of these programs was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Palm Springs Sgt. Kevin Lu said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

Both Police Departments remind the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or” operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. 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.