The Redwood City Police Department announced it will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint on April 18.
The operation is scheduled to run from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at two locations: El Camino Real near Hopkins Avenue and Woodside Road near Alameda De Las Pulgas.
According to department officials, checkpoint locations are selected based on data regarding impaired driving-related crashes. The primary objective is to remove suspected impaired drivers from the roadway.
“Impaired drivers put themselves and others on the road at significant risk,” Redwood City Chief of Police Kristina Bell said. “It’s a choice. If you’ve been drinking or taken drugs that impair, make the right choice by finding a sober driver or alternate transportation to take you places.”
The department stated that impairment is not limited to alcohol. Certain prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and marijuana can also result in a DUI charge.
While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal in California, driving under its influence remains illegal.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI in California face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, along with a suspended driver’s license.
Funding for this program was not disclosed in the department’s announcement.