5 DUI Arrests Made at Friday Night Checkpoint

A sobriety checkpoint set up Friday night in Novato led to five arrests of people suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, the most checkpoint arrests in recent months.

There were 632 vehicles checked by the at the intersection of South Novato Boulevard and Sunset Parkway, and 20 field sobriety tests were issued, according to Sgt. Oliver Collins.

Nine drivers were found to be unlicensed and one had a suspended license. Six vehicles were towed because of misdemeanor violations, and one other moving violation was logged.

The checkpoints are funded through the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Collins said the goal is to reduce the number of victims killed and injured in alcohol-involved crashes.

Locations of checkpoints are not announced in advance because it helps encourage drivers to stay sober and not circumvent the checkpoint area.

Collins said research proves a 20 percent reduction in crashes involving alcohol if they are publicized well and conducted often.

Normally, towed vehicles can be returned to the owner the next day so long as a licensed driver is picking it up and proof of registration and insurance can be provided. There is a $130 police release fee as well as a towing and overnight storage fee to the garage of $65. The longer a car owner leaves it stored, the more it costs to retrieve it.

Driving on a suspended license in California can be expensive and time-consuming. A first-time conviction carries a minimum fine of $300 and a maximum fine of $1,000. There can be penalty assessments and/or imprisonment for five days to six months. A second offense within five years will get you a minimum penalty of $500 and a maximum fine of $2,000. Jail time can be for 10 days up to one year. 

Stay Patched in! Follow Novato Patch on Twitter | Like Novato Patch on Facebook | Sign up for the daily e-mail with links to the latest news.