DUI Checkpoints in San Diego, California
Updated on Wednesday, 12/17/2025, upcoming DUI checkpoints in San Diego, California are posted by local police to encourage safe driving and reduce drunk driving accidents. If you are looking for sobriety checkpoints or DUI roadblocks near me in San Diego, California, this page shares the latest locations and times. Staying informed about police checkpoints and DUI patrol updates in San Diego, California helps you plan ahead and make responsible choices on the road.
Where Are the Next DUI Checkpoints in San Diego, California?
| City | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Vista | The Vista Sheriff’s Station plans to run a DUI checkpoint within the city of Vista, though the specific area is not being released. | Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 6 PM to 2 AM |
| La Mesa | DUI enforcement officers will be checking drivers for alcohol or marijuana impairment at 4900 Spring Street, La Mesa, CA 91942. | Friday, December 12, 2025 | 7 PM to 1 AM |
| La Mesa | In La Mesa, police will also run a DUI checkpoint, and the exact location will remain confidential until it begins. | Friday, December 12, 2025 | 7 PM to 1 AM |
| Carlsbad | The City of Carlsbad Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint at an undisclosed location in the city. | Friday, December 12, 2025 | 6 PM to 2 AM |
| Oceanside | Oceanside officers will operate a DUI/driver’s license screening at a location that will remain undisclosed until it begins. | Friday, December 12, 2025 | 6 PM to 2 AM |
| San Marcos | The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office will also conduct a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location, targeting impaired drivers. | Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 6 PM to 2 AM |
| Chula Vista | 1300 block of East 30th Street. | Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 6 PM to 3 AM |
| San Diego | Expect a DUI and license checkpoint taking place along the 2400 block of Grand Avenue this evening. | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 10 PM to 2:30 AM |
| National City | Expect a DUI checkpoint along the 2900 block of Highland Avenue, where officers will be monitoring for impaired drivers. | Saturday, November 1, 2025 | 6 PM to 2 AM |
| Chula Vista | Chula Vista Police will set up a DUI checkpoint at 1100 block of Eastlake Parkway | Friday, October 24, 2025 | 5 PM to 2 AM |
| Escondido | The Escondido Police Department will be setting up a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location. | Friday, October 10, 2025 | 6 PM to 1 AM |
| Lemon Grove | Undisclosed location | Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 6 PM to 2 AM |
| Vista | DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location in the City of Vista. | Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 8 PM to 12 AM |
| Poway | DUI and driver’s license checkpoint set up at 12700 Poway Road, Poway, CA 92064. | Friday, August 29, 2025 | 8 PM to 2 AM |
| El Cajon | DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint at the 1000 block of North Second Street, El Cajon. | Friday, August 22, 2025 | 8 PM to 2 AM |
| Escondido | Escondido – DUI checkpoint conducted by the Escondido Police Department at an undisclosed location. | Friday, August 15, 2025 | 6 PM to 1 AM |
| Valley Center | Valley Center – DUI checkpoint at Valley Center Road and Cole Grade Road. | Friday, August 15, 2025 | 6 PM to 1 AM |
| Oceanside | Oceanside – DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location. | Friday, August 15, 2025 | 6 PM to 1 AM |
| Oceanside | Oceanside – DUI checkpoint operated by Oceanside Police Department at an undisclosed site. | Friday, August 1, 2025 | 6 PM to 2 AM |
| Escondido | Sobriety/Driver’s License checkpoint at an undisclosed city location. | Friday, July 18, 2025 | 6 PM to 1 AM |
DUI Penalties in San Diego, California
Getting a DUI in San Diego, California can mess up more than just your weekend. It can hit your wallet hard, raise your car insurance, and even cost you your license or job. That’s why many people call a DUI attorney or car accident lawyer right away for help.
- First Offense: You could get fined, lose your license for a while, or have to take alcohol education classes.
- Second Offense: Bigger fines, longer suspensions, and possible jail time.
- Third or More: It can turn into a felony DUI, which means longer license loss, higher insurance, and a criminal record that sticks with you.
On top of that, your auto insurance rates can skyrocket and stay high for years. If you drive for work, a DUI could even cost you your job. The total price — between fines, court fees, and insurance — can easily reach thousands of dollars.
Most states, including San Diego, California, have a legal blood alcohol (BAC) limit of 0.08% for adults, and even less for underage or commercial drivers.
DUI Accidents and Personal Injury Claims in San Diego, California
Drunk driving accidents in San Diego, California can change lives in seconds. Every year, people get hurt or killed because someone made the wrong choice to drive after drinking. These cases often turn into personal injury claims or auto accident lawsuits where victims ask for money to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
If a crash causes serious injury or death, the driver can face:
- Felony charges and long jail sentences
- Wrongful death lawsuits from the victim’s family
- License suspension or permanent loss
Even a small fender bender while drunk can lead to criminal charges, high insurance costs, and vehicle repair bills. The best move? Don’t drive after drinking — take a ride-share, taxi, or call a friend. It’s way cheaper than hiring an auto accident attorney later.
When and Why DUI Checkpoints Happen in San Diego, California
Police in San Diego, California set up DUI checkpoints to catch drunk drivers and keep roads safe. You’ll usually see them on weekends, holidays, and late nights when more people are out drinking.
- Late at night or early morning hours
- Big holiday weekends like Memorial Day or New Year’s Eve
- Near bars, clubs, and events where alcohol is common
The goal isn’t just to arrest people — it’s to stop accidents before they happen. Officers stop cars for a minute or two, look for signs of drinking, and check your license and registration.
What to Do and What Not to Do at a DUI Checkpoint in San Diego, California
✅ What to Do
- Stay calm and polite. Keep your hands where the officer can see them.
- Have your license, registration, and insurance ready.
- Follow directions and move slowly when told.
- You can say no to a car search unless the officer has a good reason.
❌ What Not to Do
- Don’t argue or act rude — it’ll just make things worse.
- Don’t lie to the police. That can turn into another charge.
- Don’t refuse a breath test unless you understand the rules — in San Diego, California, that can mean losing your license on the spot.
- Don’t secretly record officers without telling them — that can cause problems.
Knowing how to handle a checkpoint the right way can save you from a lot of trouble. If things don’t feel right, talk to a DUI lawyer or criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Stay Safe and Informed
Want to know where DUI checkpoints are happening around San Diego, California? Visit DUIPoint.com for the latest updates. Stay alert, plan ahead, and make smart choices — because getting home safe is always the goal.