By Lookout Staff
July 6, 2026 -- Santa Monica police will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint Friday as the Department boosts efforts to crack down on impaired drivers.
The checkpoint will take place from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, police officials said.
"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," officials said. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety."
In addition to alcohol, some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can interfere with driving, officials noted. Driving under the influence of medicinal and recreational marijuana is also illegal.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
As part of the increased enforcement efforts, in March SMPD officers visited local bars and restaurants throughout the city as part of a statewide “Know Your Limit” campaign.
Officers asked volunteers how many drinks they had consumed and whether they believed they were still able to drive safely.
They then invited the customers to take a breathalyzer test to see if they were "able to guess their blood alcohol content (BAC)," officials said.
According to the California Driver Handbook, it takes two drinks consumed within one hour by a woman between 120 and 160 pounds and three drinks by a man between 180 and 220 pounds to be over the legal limit.
Last month two Santa Monica Police officers were recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for their DUI arrests.
Officer Jacqueline Frausto Ramirez was recognized for making 21 DUI arrests and Officer Jonas Pandya was recognized for 25 DUI arrests.
Also last month, officers arrested a DUI driver for assault with a vehicle after they saw the suspect nearly strike a victim in a beach lot, according to th weekly police blog for June 14 to 20.
"The suspect fled, was located quickly, and was arrested after investigation determined impairment," officials said.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.