Additional Fresno police will be on the streets at 6 p.m. Saturday and into the wee hours Sunday morning looking for drunk and buzzed drivers.

The saturation patrol is part of efforts throughout California and the nation to reduce DUI traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths.

Law enforcement reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions
for use and read warning labels about driving.

And while medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Stiff Fines, Potential License Suspension

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

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

CHP Crackdown Produces Nine DUI Arrests

The California Highway Patrol reported nine DUI arrests following a multi-agency street racing and DUI saturation operation across Fresno County last weekend.

Authorities conducted 172 traffic stops and issued 128 citations. In addition to the DUI arrests, officers made two reckless driving arrests, one drug arrest, and one misdemeanor no-bail arrest.

Officials also impounded 33 vehicles and placed two in storage. Six verbal warnings were issued, along with four citations for modified equipment violations.