The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced on March 9 that a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driver’s License checkpoint was conducted in Wildomar on March 6. The operation took place at Palomar Street and Harwood Lane between 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., resulting in several citations, arrests, and vehicle tows.
The checkpoint screened 637 vehicles. Deputies issued six citations for unlicensed drivers and two for suspended licenses. Four individuals were arrested for driving under the influence, while eight vehicles were towed. In total, fifteen citations were issued during the operation.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, checkpoint locations are selected based on areas with a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The main goal is not only to make arrests but also to promote public safety by discouraging impaired driving. “The safety of our community is and always will be our mission. Driving under the influence is dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources,” said Sergeant Carlos Garcia-Villa.
Officials reminded the public that impairment can result from alcohol as well as some prescription or over-the-counter medications. They advised drivers to read warning labels about operating vehicles after taking such substances. While marijuana use may be legal for medicinal or recreational purposes, driving under its influence remains illegal.
Drivers charged with DUI face significant consequences, including an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties along with license suspension. Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
