The next Fresno Police Department DUI checkpoint is on Saturday, July 1, from 9 p.m. to 4 o’clock the following morning.

The location is undisclosed to the public but will be chosen based on impaired driving-related crashes, the department said in a news release.

“The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road,” said department assistant public information officer Christopher Clark.

On June 24, the department arrested 12 drivers for suspected DUI during a “saturation” patrol.

Drivers convicted of first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and a suspended license.

Extra Enforcement Through July 4

Fresno PD also will have additional officers on patrol looking for DUI drivers through the Tuesday, July 4 holiday.

In 2021, more than 500 people were killed in crashes throughout the country during the Fourth of July weekend. Of those deadly crashes, 39% involved alcohol. In California, 44 people were killed in crashes during Independence Day weekend.

In addition, the California Highway Patrol made nearly 1,000 DUI arrests during its Fourth of July maximum enforcement period.

Law enforcement officials advise that if you are hosting barbecues and fireworks shows, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. If you see people leaving who have been drinking, offer to have them stay the night or make arrangements for them to take a sober ride home.

And, if you see someone who appears impaired or driving recklessly, call 9-1-1.

CHP Out in Force on Independence Day Weekend

The CHP says its statewide maximum enforcement period begins at 6:01 p.m. on Friday and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday.

All available uniformed CHP officers will be on patrol to enhance public safety, deter unsafe driving behavior, and, when necessary, make arrests.

“Every year, speed is the leading cause of roadway crashes in our state, resulting in thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths.  Slow down and help us make our roads safer for everyone,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee in a news release.

Police remind 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.

Alcohol Chart