The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has announced plans to conduct a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint in Dana Point on Friday, February 27th. The operation will run from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city.
Checkpoints are selected based on data related to collisions and the frequency of DUI arrests in certain areas. Deputies will be checking for signs of alcohol or drug impairment and ensuring that drivers have valid licenses.
The department emphasized that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol consumption. “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze,” the Sheriff’s Department stated. “If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.”
To help prevent impaired driving incidents, the department offered several recommendations: “Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home. See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home. Report drunk drivers – Call 911. Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home.”
Authorities also noted the significant financial consequences associated with being charged with DUI: “Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department serves communities throughout Orange County using nearly 4,000 sworn and professional staff across multiple commands and divisions (https://www.ocsheriff.gov/). The agency focuses on community protection through impartial law enforcement guided by integrity and respect (https://www.ocsheriff.gov/), as well as providing resources such as missing persons alerts and emergency preparedness programs (https://www.ocsheriff.gov/). The department covers various locations across Orange County (https://www.ocsheriff.gov/) while implementing state laws including oversight for military equipment use and sex offender registration requirements (https://www.ocsheriff.gov/).
