Friday night might be a nice finish to a long week, but for some it means the onset of a criminal record for drinking and driving.
The San Luis Obispo Police Department and the Cal Poly University Police Department are joining efforts to conduct a DUI checkpoint in San Luis Obispo. The checkpoint will be held on Friday, January 22, 2010, between the hours of 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location.
Officers at the DUI checkpoint will be looking for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol.
San Luis Obispo Police Sergeant Jeff Booth, of the traffic safety uni, is the supervisor in charge at the Friday checkpoint.
“The goal of this DUI checkpoint is to raise motorists’ awareness of the dangers of drunk driving and the San Luis Obispo Police Department effort to combat this serious crime,” he said. “DUI collisions continue to have devastating impacts on the lives of thousands of innocent victims, their families and friends. We want to convey to all that drinking and driving is the entire community’s problem.”
The fine for a first offense is $1,755. If your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is .15 percent to .19 percent the normal jail sentence is five days in custody. If your BAC is .20 percent or greater, or if you refuse to take a chemical test, the normal jail sentence will be longer, normally 10 days in custody. Other factors may also be considered in the setting the jail sentence.
What is further sobering is that the vehicle owner could be financially responsible for paying up to 30 days of storage fees if the driver is unlicensed.
The San Luis Obispo Police Department urges anyone who has been drinking not to drive. Instead, designate a sober driver, call for a ride or walk; but do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Funding for this DUI checkpoint is provided by the Safer California Grant.