Community Corner

Update: DUI Checkpoints Net Many More Unlicensed Drivers Than Drunks

Police receive thousands of dollars each year from the state to conduct operations



Story updated with a correction Wednesday, July 30 10:30am

Last week, the Novato police held another  checkpoint, aimed at apprehending drunk drivers.

But statistics from the past two years show that the checkpoints end up apprehending an average of ten times more people without a license--typically undocumented Latino immigrants--than inebriated drivers.

For example, during eight checkpoints held last year in Novato, 114 people were cited for not having a license, but only 17 people were found to be driving under the influence, according to data provided by the department.

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The year before, 55 people were cited at Novato checkpoints for not having a license, but only six drunk drivers were apprehended.

Civil liberties advocates have also argued that police checkpoints violate the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure. 

Find out what's happening in Novatowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Following new legislation passed in 2011, unlicensed drivers can now call a licensed friend or family member to retrieve their car. But if their car is towed, drivers must pay a $215 tow charge, plus a $130  $135 processing fee.

Novato Police Chief James Berg says the department only impounds cars for drivers who have suspended drivers licenses or those found driving under the influence. These drivers have their car impounded for 30 days—the maximum allowed under California law— at a cost of $65 per day. The police department does not receive any storage or impound fees.

Berg defends the grant-funded checkpoints, calling them a critical tool in preventing drunk driving, even if they net ten times more unlicensed drivers than intoxicated drivers.

“You’re supposed to have a license when you drive,” Berg told Patch at a recent interview. “If you chose to drive without being properly licensed, you should receive a citation. And as for the 17 people cited for DUI, that’s 17 that are not driving drunk.”

Checkpoints are illegal in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and nine other states. 

What’s your view of the checkpoints? Do they help keep drunks off the roads? Or do they unfairly target Hispanic drivers?

CORRECTION: Only drivers with a suspended license have their cars impounded, not  unlicensed drivers. Unlicensed drivers  have their cars towed, but can retrieve it by showing registration, insurance and someone with a license. Novato Police collect $135 from the impound, while the storage facility and towing company keep the rest.


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