– The Atascadero Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence checkpoint on Dec. 19, according to a department announcement.

The checkpoint is scheduled for Dec. 19 from 6 p.m. to Dec. 20 at 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city.

Checkpoint locations are selected based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The department stated that the purpose of the checkpoint is to promote public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Commander Matt Chesson said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

The Atascadero Police Department reminded the public that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol use. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can interfere with a person’s ability to drive. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time driving under the influence offense face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, along with a suspended driver’s license.

The department stated that funding for the checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.