Assembly Considers New Laws to Regulate DUI Checkpoints

Criticism that DUI checkpoints are used to generate impoundment fees rather than arrest drunken drivers has prompted a bill to be filed in Sacramento aimed at restricting the inspections.

The news comes the same day Palm Springs police released the results of their weekend DUI checkpoint on N. Indian Canyon on Saturday night.

Sgt. Paul Abshire said 606 drivers were screened during the operation from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Three drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, five were cited for not having a driver’s license and three others were cited for other traffic violations.

Six vehicles were towed away or impounded, Abshire said.

New legislation by Democratic state Assemblyman Michael Allen of Santa Rosa would require checkpoints to be on roads with a high rate of drunken driving arrests. AB1389 would also prohibit officers from confiscating vehicles if they can be moved to a safe place or picked up by a licensed driver.

Court cases already establish those requirements, but Allen says cities will not listen until the rulings become law.

Bill supporters say the checkpoints target minorities and the poor, including illegal immigrants who cannot obtain driver’s licenses.

Opponents say the bill, which will be considered this week or next in the Assembly, ties the hands of law enforcement.