Rialto, Calif. – Rialto Police Department will hold a DUI Driver’s License Checkpoint in the southeast portion of the city, on April 14, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. With warmer weather and spring upon us, the Rialto Police Department encourages the public to be responsible and never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
The Rialto Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe. “Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Chief Mark P. Kling said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety. We want to stop impaired drivers and prevent a tragedy. Driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”
Rialto Police Department reminds 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.
Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing, delaying motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment effects.
If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home. Drivers 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.