DUI Checkpoints in Monterey County, CA

City	Location	Date
Napa	Confirmed by DUIBlock.net: A DUI checkpoint will be conducted at an undisclosed location in the City of Napa, organized by the Napa County Probation Department, California Highway Patrol, and the Napa County Sheriff’s Department. DUIBlock.net reports that this operation is part of ongoing efforts to reduce impaired driving incidents in the area.	Saturday, June 21, 2025 From 6 PM to 2 AM

Monterey County is one of California’s most scenic and diverse regions, with everything from coastal highways to farming towns. Cities like Monterey, Salinas, Seaside, Marina, King City, and Soledad see constant movement from both locals and weekend travelers. Major routes like Highway 1, Highway 68, and U.S. 101 carry thousands of drivers each day.

Because of this steady traffic, DUI checkpoints are set up regularly—especially on Friday and Saturday nights, during holidays, and around local events like the Monterey Jazz Festival or Salinas Rodeo.

In 2024, the county saw more than 120 DUI-related crashes, including 7 fatalities. These checkpoints are here to prevent more tragedies and keep the roads safe.

Monterey – Lighthouse Avenue near Cannery Row

Exact Location: Close to Cannery Row and tourist shops along the coast.

Agency: Monterey Police Department

Details: This busy nightlife spot is often the focus of DUI operations. Checkpoints here are active from 6 PM to midnight, especially during weekends and special events. Officers check for alcohol and cannabis use, expired licenses, and vehicle compliance.

Salinas – East Alisal Street near Sanborn Road

Exact Location: Near restaurants, parks, and community shopping centers.

Agency: Salinas Police Department

Details: This is one of the most active DUI checkpoint locations in the county. With high local traffic and event crowds, the city runs checkpoints here during payday weekends, holidays, and community events. Officers run these from 6 PM to 11:30 PM and use flashing lights and cones to guide vehicles.

Seaside – Fremont Boulevard near Hilby Avenue

Exact Location: Near apartment complexes, stores, and fast-food spots.

Agency: Seaside Police Department

Details: DUI checkpoints here are commonly run during three-day weekends and graduation season. Officers focus on late-evening drivers and check for signs of impairment, open containers, and suspended licenses from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

King City – Broadway Street near Vanderhurst Avenue

Exact Location: Central part of town, near local stores and schools.

Agency: King City Police Department

Details: In this farming town, DUI checkpoints usually follow local fairs, rodeos, or Friday night football games. Officers check every car that passes through between 6 PM and 10:30 PM. They look for drunk or drugged drivers, as well as seatbelt violations and expired tags.

Soledad – Front Street near Highway 101 Entrance

Exact Location: Where local traffic merges with highway traffic.

Agency: California Highway Patrol – Monterey Area

Details: This location is a hotspot during holiday weekends and harvest festivals. Officers stop vehicles entering or exiting U.S. 101, especially if they show signs of reckless driving or weaving. Checkpoints usually go from 6 PM to midnight, with field sobriety tests conducted on-site if needed.

DUI Penalties in Monterey County

Getting caught at a DUI checkpoint is serious—whether it’s your first time or not. The consequences hit hard, and they don’t go away quickly.

First DUI Offense:

Up to $2,000 in fines and fees
License suspension for 6 months
3 to 9 months in DUI classes
Up to 6 months in jail (though often reduced or replaced with probation)
Major insurance increases

Second or Third DUI:

Longer license suspensions (1 to 3 years)
Mandatory ignition interlock device
Jail or even prison time
Total costs can go over $10,000 once you add in court fees, legal help, DUI school, and insurance hikes

If your DUI involves injury or death, you’re looking at felony charges, which means:

Years in state prison
A permanent criminal record
Difficulty getting a job, housing, or a professional license

Remember: DUI checkpoints aren’t about ruining your night. They’re about saving lives. Whether you’re heading home from a party, restaurant, or event—don’t drink and drive. Call a ride, take a cab, or wait it out.