Mission Viejo drivers face eight-hour sobriety sweep with $13,500 cost warning

Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies will enforce a sobriety and licensing checkpoint in Mission Viejo from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday. The operation will take place at a specific location that has not been revealed to the public prior to the event.

The department selected the site based on local collision statistics and the frequency of past DUI arrests. Officers will screen drivers for signs of impairment caused by alcohol or drugs. They will also verify that each driver holds a valid license.

Sheriff’s officials emphasized that impairment extends beyond alcohol consumption. Prescription medications with driving warnings can affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle. Marijuana use, particularly when combined with alcohol, can also lead to a DUI charge.

The department advises drivers to use a designated sober driver, a ride-share service, or public transportation to return home safely. Hosts of parties are encouraged to offer nonalcoholic options and monitor guests’ departure plans. If a driver appears impaired, the department recommends taking the keys and calling 911 if necessary.

Drivers arrested for DUI can expect costs exceeding $13,500. This amount covers fines, fees, mandatory classes, and license suspension. It does not account for potential jail time. The checkpoint is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, administered through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.