Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. With more drivers on the road for the long holiday weekend, that means the California Highway Patrol will conduct a maximum enforcement period. From 6 p.m. Friday, May 24, through midnight Monday, May 27, CHP officers will be out in force, enforcing seat belt laws, speed limits, and looking for DUIs. Last year, 37 people were killed in traffic collisions in California during the Memorial Day weekend and 46 percent of them were not wearing a seat belt. Motorists are reminded to buckle up, drive the speed limit, and designate a non-drinking driver.
The California Highway Patrol will conduct a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint this Saturday, May 25, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the Morongo Basin. Officers trained in the detection of alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers will provide on-the-spot assessments of drivers suspected of driving under the influence. Depending on traffic, all drivers can expect to be checked, and those who are under the influence will be arrested and their vehicles towed away. Officers will also check drivers for proper licensing. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000. If you see a drunk driver, call 9-1-1 to report them.
