Two drivers were arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and 51 motorists were cited during a regional traffic enforcement day Friday in Escondido, authorities announced Saturday.
The citations issued were for violations that commonly cause crashes, police said.
“DUI enforcement and strict traffic law enforcement go hand in hand,” Escondido Police Chief Ken Plunkett said in a statement. “When we hold drivers accountable for impaired driving and everyday violations alike, we’re not just issuing citations — we’re preventing crashes, saving lives and reinforcing a culture of responsibility on our roads. Traffic safety isn’t selective. It requires consistent, visible enforcement to protect everyone who uses our streets.”
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
The Escondido Police Department will be holding another DUI enforcement operation on Feb. 27.
Funding for the operations was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.