Marin Law Enforcement Agencies Announce Holiday DUI Patrols

MARIN COUNTY, CA — At least two Marin law enforcement agencies have announced they will conduct DUI patrols through the holiday season.

The San Rafael and Novato police departments said additional patrols will be conducted through Jan. 1 in which officers will look for signs of impaired driving.

The extra enforcement effort is part of a national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign that aims to deter impaired driving.

“Impaired driving is preventable,” San Rafael police Sgt. Justin Graham said in a statement.

“It’s a choice. If you’ve been drinking or taking drugs that impair you, make the right choice by finding a sober driver or alternate transportation to take you places.”

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

“The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want drivers to act responsibly,” Novato police Sgt. Reza Pourfarhani said in a statement.

“This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that driving impaired is an illegal, senseless behavior that takes lives.”

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.