DUI Checkpoints in Mono County, CA

Mono County, located along California’s eastern Sierra Nevada, is known for its natural beauty and tourist hot spots like Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, Bridgeport, and Lee Vining. With highways like U.S. 395, Highway 158, and Highway 203 running through the area, there’s a steady mix of local and out-of-town drivers year-round.

Whether it’s ski season, summer hiking, or fall fishing, the county gets a big increase in traffic during weekends, holidays, and special events. That’s when law enforcement ramps up DUI checkpoints to keep the roads safe.

In 2024, Mono County reported over 35 DUI-related crashes, including 2 fatalities and multiple injuries. So even in this quiet mountain area, checkpoints are a must.

Mammoth Lakes – Main Street near Minaret Road

Exact Location: Near the Village at Mammoth and popular resorts.

Agency: Mammoth Lakes Police Department

Details: This is a high-traffic zone, especially during ski season and holiday weekends. Officers monitor both locals and tourists heading in and out of the village. DUI checkpoints are usually set up from 6 PM to midnight, focusing on alcohol, cannabis use, and open containers. Officers often bring in drug recognition experts during larger events.

June Lake – Highway 158 near Gull Lake Road

Exact Location: Along the scenic loop near lodges and lakefront cabins.

Agency: Mono County Sheriff’s Office

Details: During summer boating season and holiday weekends, this checkpoint targets visitors leaving the lake area. Officers stop vehicles between 5:30 PM and 10:30 PM, especially when traffic spikes after concerts, cookouts, or July 4th fireworks.

Bridgeport – Highway 395 near Twin Lakes Road

Exact Location: Just outside town, near motels, diners, and fishing spots.

Agency: California Highway Patrol – Bridgeport Office

Details: This area draws campers, anglers, and off-roaders, so checkpoints are common in the late spring through fall. Expect operations to run from 6 PM to 10:30 PM, with officers checking for DUI, suspended licenses, and vehicle compliance.

Lee Vining – Highway 395 near Mono Lake Visitor Center

Exact Location: Close to the Mono Lake scenic overlook and tourist pullouts.

Agency: Mono County Sheriff’s Office

Details: With lots of tourist traffic passing through on the way to Yosemite, this is a key checkpoint location. It’s active during holiday weekends, Labor Day, and Memorial Day, typically operating from 6 PM to 11 PM. Officers look for all signs of DUI and will pull over vehicles based on behavior or random checks.

DUI Penalties in Mono County

Even a first DUI in Mono County can cost you more than you think. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these penalties apply.

First-Time DUI:

  • Up to $2,000 in fines and court costs

  • Driver’s license suspension for 6 months

  • Mandatory DUI education program (3–9 months)

  • Possible jail time up to 6 months

  • Insurance rate increases

Second or Third DUI:

  • Longer license suspensions (up to 3 years)

  • Ignition interlock device required

  • Jail or state prison time

  • Over $10,000 in total costs with legal fees, DUI school, and insurance

If your DUI leads to injury or death, it becomes a felony, and that could mean prison, a permanent criminal record, and major life restrictions like job loss or travel bans.