DUI Checkpoint Scheduled For Thursday In Oakland

OAKLAND, CA — Oakland police will hold a DUI checkpoint Thursday, Aug. 20 to deter drunk and impaired drivers, the department said.

The checkpoint will be held from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city, according to the Oakland Police Department.

Locations for these checkpoints are determined based on data collected by the OPD that reveals where in the city crashes involving drunk or impaired drivers are most common.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," OPD Lt. Michael Cardoza said. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety."

The department added that aside from drunk drivers, officers will be looking for anyone who may be operating their vehicle while under the influence of marijuana, prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs.

According to OPD, drivers convicted of operating a vehicle while under the influence may face thousands of dollars worth of fines and penalties, in addition to having their license suspended.

The funding for the OPD to hold these checkpoints comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to authorities.