The Arlington County Police Department has issued a public notice that they will be staging a sobriety checkpoint on the evening of Saturday, September 30, somewhere in Arlington County.
While other police departments sometimes narrow down their areas to specific districts or precincts, this weekend's sobriety checkpoint could come anywhere in the county. Continuing the theme of secrecy, the Arlington County Police Department is also not saying when the checkpoint will be staged, though common sense dictates it will come in the evening hours.
In addition to cracking down on drunk driving, Arlington County Police hope that high-visibility enforcement will foster heightened public awareness.
From the Arlington County Police Department's press release,
Officers will stop all vehicles passing through the checkpoint and ask to see the licenses of drivers. Any driver suspected of operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be directed to a safe area off the roadway for further observation and possible testing for intoxication."
The Department warns that people caught drunk driving will be arrested and prosecuted. The maximum penalty for a first-time drunk driving offense in Virginia is a $2,500 fine, 12 months in jail, and a suspended driver's license for 12 months.
If you are going out on Saturday evening, please do not drink and drive. The cost of an Uber, Lyft, or taxi will always be less than fighting or living with a DUI conviction.