The Fresno Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence checkpoint on Saturday from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location.

Police said checkpoint locations are selected based on data showing impaired driving-related crashes. The department said the primary purpose of the operation is to improve public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

Officials reminded drivers that impairment is not limited to alcohol. Prescription medications and some over-the-counter drugs can affect a person’s ability to drive safely, and while marijuana is legal for medicinal and recreational use in California, driving under its influence is illegal.

According to the department, drivers convicted of a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, along with a suspended driver’s license.

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

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