Clovis police will conduct a driving under the influence checkpoint Friday night from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at an undisclosed location, the department announced.

Checkpoint locations are selected based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. Police said the primary goal is to promote public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

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

Police reminded the public that impairment is not limited to alcohol. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can affect driving ability, and while medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and a suspended driver’s license, police said.

Funding for the checkpoint is provided by a grant from the California Highway Patrol’s Cannabis Tax Grant Program.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.