DUI Checkpoints in Sonoma County, CA

City	Location	Date
Sebastopol	A DUI checkpoint is scheduled to take place at an undisclosed location.	Saturday, September 27, 2025 \| 7:30 PM to 2 AM
Petaluma	The Petaluma Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint at an undisclosed location in the city.	September 6, 2025 From 6 PM to 2 AM
Santa Rosa	Santa Rosa Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint at an undisclosed location.	Friday, August 22, 2025 From 6 PM to 2 AM
Petaluma	A DUI and driver’s license checkpoint is happening at Petaluma Boulevard North at Gossage Avenue	Friday, June 27, 2025 \| Tonight

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Sonoma County is known for its scenic wine country, cozy towns, and weekend getaways. With cities like Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, and Sonoma, the area gets steady tourist and local traffic, especially along Highway 101, Highway 12, and Highway 116.

Because of the popular wine tasting spots and events, DUI checkpoints are common—especially during weekends, holidays, and festivals like BottleRock, the Sonoma County Fair, and local wine tours.

Santa Rosa – Mendocino Avenue near College Avenue

Exact Location: Near downtown Santa Rosa, close to restaurants, bars, and SRJC campus.

Agency: Santa Rosa Police Department

Details: This checkpoint is often active during Friday and Saturday nights and local events. Officers set up around 6 PM to midnight and check for alcohol or drug impairment, expired tags, and license issues.

Petaluma – East Washington Street near Payran Street

Exact Location: Near the shopping centers and access to Highway 101.

Agency: Petaluma Police Department

Details: This is a key spot during weekends and Petaluma Market events. Officers direct vehicles into one lane and check for impairment signs from around 6 PM to 11 PM.

Rohnert Park – Rohnert Park Expressway near State Farm Drive

Exact Location: Close to Sonoma State University and student housing.

Agency: Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety

Details: Checkpoints here are common during college events and breaks. Police run these from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM to prevent impaired student drivers from getting on the road.

Sonoma – Broadway near Napa Street

Exact Location: Right in the heart of wine country, near hotels and restaurants.

Agency: Sonoma Police Department

Details: This checkpoint is typically active during tourist seasons and wine events. Officers check every vehicle or every 3rd one, depending on traffic, and monitor for both alcohol and cannabis use. Usual hours: 6 PM to 10 PM.

Sebastopol – Gravenstein Highway South near Hurlbut Avenue

Exact Location: Just off Highway 116 in a high-traffic local area.

Agency: Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office

Details: A well-traveled stretch during community events and local gatherings. DUI checkpoints usually take place between 6 PM and 10:30 PM with breathalyzers and field sobriety tests.

DUI Penalties in Sonoma County

Getting a DUI in Sonoma County can hit hard—both legally and financially. Even if it’s your first time, it can leave a lasting mark.

First DUI Offense:

Fines up to $2,000
6-month license suspension
DUI school (3 to 9 months)
Up to 6 months in jail
3 to 5 years of probation

Second DUI Offense:

Increased fines and court fees
2-year license suspension
Longer DUI education (18 to 30 months)
Possible jail time up to 1 year
Ignition interlock device (IID) required

Felony DUI or 3rd/4th Offense:

State prison time
Permanent criminal record
Loss of driving privileges for years
Huge increase in insurance rates

Sonoma County takes DUIs seriously, especially with its mix of locals and wine-country visitors. Officers aren’t just writing tickets—they’re protecting lives. If you’re drinking or using cannabis, don’t risk it. Call a ride, crash at a friend’s place, or take public transit. It’s not just safer—it could save lives.