COSTA MESA, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2025) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) will be conducting a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. within the city limits.
Checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by distributing educational information and by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
“Impaired driving is preventable,” said Sgt. Nick Wilson. “If you’ve been drinking or taking drugs that impair, make the right choice by finding a sober driver or alternate transportation to take you places.”
“DUI and driver’s license checkpoints are a way to educate our community on the dangers of driving impaired in hopes that drivers plan ahead with alternative transportation when out drinking,” said Chief Joyce LaPointe.
CMPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to CMPD by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Here are the typical penalties suspects face if they are caught driving impaired at a DUI checkpoint in California:
- First-time DUI offense:
- Average cost of $13,500 in fines, fees, and penalties.
- Driver’s license suspension (usually 6 months).
- Mandatory DUI education program (3 to 9 months).
- Possible probation (3 to 5 years).
- Increased insurance premiums.
- Repeat offenses:
- Longer license suspension or revocation.
- Higher fines and fees.
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
- Possible jail time.
- Aggravating factors (e.g., high BAC, accident causing injury, child in car):
- Additional criminal charges.
- Longer jail sentences.
- Higher financial penalties.
- Refusing a chemical test:
- Automatic license suspension under California’s implied consent law.
- Possible enhanced penalties in court.
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