A DUI Checkpoint Friday night led to one arrest for driving under the influence and several citations, said Officer Lutz with the California Highway Patrol Newhall Area Office.

The Checkpoint began at 6:30 p.m. and last until 2:30 a.m. Saturday at Sierra Highway and Vasquez Canyon Road.

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The driver who was arrested was under the influence of alcohol, Lutz said. Two people were caught driving with open containers in their vehicles and there were several misdemeanor citations given, which can include driving without a valid driver’s license.

When asked if DUI Checkpoints help lower the number of drivers under the influence, Lutz was quick to respond.  

“Of course they are, they’re educating the public,” Lutz said. “That’s the most important aspect, reminding people that officers are out there and looking for people driving under the influence.”

While DUI checkpoints attempt to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road, they are designed to educate and raise public awareness about the danger of driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

Through creating awareness, DUI Checkpoints deter people from driving under the influence and keep the streets safe for all.

“Even though arrest totals do not rise dramatically, the psychological influence a checkpoint has on the motoring public is invaluable,” said a CHP press release announcing Friday’s Checkpoint.

Related Article: CHP Checkpoint Screens 600; No Arrests Made

The location of the Checkpoint was announced just before it began through a news release. Informational signs warned drivers that they were about to approach a checkpoint, once they were stopped they were stopped by officers for a few minutes. Sobriety checkpoints are conducted in accordance to the guidelines for checkpoint operations outlined in the Supreme Court decision, Ingersol vs. Palmer.

The number of vehicles stopped during the Checkpoint is not known and Lutz added that those numbers may not be logged.

The CHP previously held a DUI checkpoint in unincorporated Santa Clarita Valley in March 2013 where officers screened 600 vehicles, and no arrests were made.

For more information about the checkpoint or other CHP operations in the Santa Clarita Valley, click here or contact the Newhall Area Office at 661-294-5540.

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