By Jorge Casuso

April 25, 2025 -- Santa Monica police next Friday will hold a DUI checkpoint after penalties for driving under the influence were enhanced under new State laws that took effect this year.

The checkpoint -- which will take place between 6 p,m. and 2 a.m. -- will be held at undisclosed location "based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes," police officials said.

On January 1, the State introduced new DUI laws that increase penalties and charges for both first time and repeat DUI offenders and makes it harder to clear their record.

"All drivers should know that California is getting more challenging on impaired driving in 2025," reads a statement on the California Department of Motor Vehicles' (DMV) website.

"Never drive after drinking or using impairing drugs -– the legal and safety consequences are more severe than ever."

Under the new laws, motorists who commit three DUI offenses within a ten-year period now face 180 days in jail, up from 120, while a fourth infraction could lead to a drivers license being revoked.

In addition, a first time DUI driver with a passenger in the car who is under 14 years of age now faces a mandatory 48-hour jail sentence, while a second time offender faces a 30-day jail sentence and possible felony charges.

The new laws also require first time DUI offenders who had an alcohol level of 0.15 percent or higher to install Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) in their vehicles for at least six months.

Under California law, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of .08 percent or higher.

According to the California Driver Handbook, it takes two drinks consumed within one hour by a woman between 120-160 pounds and three drinks by a man between 180-220 pounds to be over the legal limit.

One drink is based on 1.5 ounces of liquor (40 percent alcohol), 12 ounces of beer (4.5 percent alcohol) or a 5 ounce glass of wine (12 percent alcohol). The BAC lowers at a rate of .01 percent for every 40 minutes between drinks.

The new state DUI laws also target driving under the influence of drugs (DUID), including marijuana and Prescription medications, according to the DMV.

"Police are deploying new roadside saliva testing devices to detect marijuana, opioids, and other drugs," according to the website?.

"Drivers found with a mix of alcohol and drugs in their system will face enhanced penalties, reflecting a zero-tolerance approach?."

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, a "dangerous" condition that "puts others on the road at risk."

Police also advise drivers to check the side effects of medications.

"Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or operating heavy machinery,” which includes cars, officials said.

A driver can be charged with a felony DUI when the driver causes an accident that kills the victim or causes bodily injury.

Funding for next Friday's checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.