Laguna Beach checkpoint nabs three on suspicion of DUI

Laguna Beach police arrested three motorists on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol during a DUI checkpoint.

Police stopped 715 drivers at the intersection of North Coast Highway and Crescent Bay Drive from 8 p.m. Dec. 18 to 3 a.m. Dec. 19 and arrested two people on suspicion of unspecified criminal charges. Six drivers were cited or arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle without a license or using a suspended or revoked license.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officials say checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Ninety percent of California drivers approve of checkpoints, according to a news release.

A DUI arrest can lead to jail time and fines exceeding $10,000. Laguna police will hold several checkpoints and saturation patrols in 2016. Checkpoints are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.