Gilroy Police will hold a DUI checkpoint starting at 7pm May 22 at an undisclosed location within the city limits. The checkpoint is scheduled to last until 2am May 23, says a press release from the Gilroy Police Department.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, the press release says. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Gilroy Police Sgt. Raul Razo said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
The Gilroy Police Department reminded 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, police said.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
