The Santa Barbara Police Department on Saturday conducted DUI checkpoint not only to detect and arrest drivers under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, but also to locate drivers who are unlicensed or suspended.
Of the 224 vehicles that passed through the checkpoint, 13 drivers were charged and/or arrested for operating without a valid driver’s license and/or suspended, three drivers were evaluated for sobriety and two were driving under the influence. Fifteen vehicles were towed, with 13 towed for a 30-day hold.
Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Sgt. Noel Rivas is the traffic/motors supervisor for the Santa Barbara Police Department.