Fresno police to run DUI checkpoint Saturday night

Fresno police will operate a DUI checkpoint the night of Saturday, Jan. 17, running from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m., in an undisclosed location as part of stepped-up efforts to deter impaired driving across the city. The department said locations for checkpoints are chosen using crash data that show higher rates of impaired-driving collisions.

Officers staffing the checkpoint will be trained to look for signs of alcohol and drug impairment, and the operation may include breath-testing equipment. Police emphasized that impairment can come not only from alcohol but also from certain prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana, which remains illegal to use while driving in California.

The checkpoint is expected to produce concentrated enforcement on weekend night routes, and drivers should be prepared for temporary stops or slowdowns in the area where officers are operating. While the exact location will not be released in advance, residents commuting, heading to restaurants or attending events on Saturday night should consider alternate plans to avoid potential delays and to reduce the risk of driving while impaired.

For many Fresno households, the reminder to plan sober rides matters practically: designated drivers, rideshare apps and public transit can be safer options after drinking or when taking medications that list drowsiness or slowed reaction time as side effects. Community members who use prescription or over-the-counter drugs should read labels and talk with their healthcare providers about whether their medications affect driving ability.

Beyond immediate traffic impacts, the checkpoint fits into a broader safety strategy that uses data to target enforcement where impaired-driving crashes are more frequent. That approach aims to prevent injuries and save lives, particularly on Valley roads where weekend nighttime crashes can have serious consequences for families and neighbors.

The takeaway? If you’ll be out Saturday night, plan a sober ride and check medication warnings before you get behind the wheel. Our two cents? It’s a lot easier and cheaper to call a rideshare or have a friend drive than to cope with the fallout of an impaired-driving stop.