Pasadena Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint on Friday

The Pasadena Police Department announced it will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint on Friday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location within Pasadena city limits.

The checkpoint is part of a statewide effort to reduce impaired driving fatalities. In 2022, there were 1,142 people killed in alcohol-impaired crashes in California, accounting for 28% of all traffic fatalities.

Lt. Anthony Russo said impaired driving is caused not only by alcohol, but also by some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license, he said.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said Russo. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety and can save lives.”

The Pasadena Police Department encourages anyone who sees an impaired driver to call 911 immediately.