Porterville Police holding DUI checkpoint tonight

The Porterville Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint today from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the Porterville City limits.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints isn’t to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

With the easing of stayat-home restrictions and more bars and restaurants being allowed to open, the Porterville Police Department stated it’s committed to keeping the public safe.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Lieutenant Mark Azevedo said. “We are still out there in the middle of a pandemic because driving under the influence is still dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources.”

The Porterville Police Department reminds the public impaired driving isn’t just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Those who plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact the ability to drive safely should stay at home.

Drivers charged with 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.