BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Bakersfield Police Department says their Traffic Unit will be holding a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint this weekend in Bakersfield.
The checkpoint is happening on Saturday, May 16, from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location.
According to the department, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and drug impairment as well as checking drivers for proper licensing.
Specially trained officers will be evaluating drivers suspected of drug-impaired driving including those using illegal narcotics, prescription drugs, marijuana, and some over the counter medications.
BPD says that DUI checkpoints are a proven to help reduce the number of alcohol or drug related crashes.
They say research shows crashes involving drivers can be reduced by 20% when checkpoints are held routinely.
DUI checkpoints are held in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests in the area.
Safety considerations are also made for officers and the public when choosing the location of the checkpoint.
Those caught driving impaired may receive jail time, DUI classes, fees and other expenses that could total more than $10,000.
Bakersfield Police say funding for the checkpoint is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
BPD encourages the community to call 911 if they see a driver they suspect is impaired.