The Madera Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence checkpoint Friday night at an undisclosed location within the city.

The DUI/CDL checkpoint is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., according to a news release issued Thursday by the department.

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

Police said impaired drivers pose a significant risk to others and that prevention efforts aimed at reducing impaired driving can significantly improve traffic safety.

The department also reminded the public that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with a person’s ability to drive. 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, as well as a suspended license, police said.

Funding for the checkpoint program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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