On Monday, July 4, several Northern Nevada law enforcement officers will team up for a sobriety checkpoint at Lake Tahoe. Personnel from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Sparks Police Department, Washoe County School District Police Department and the Nevada Highway Patrol will be staffing the checkpoint on July 4, said NHP Trooper Chuck Allen in a news release.

With grant funding secured by the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, law enforcement personnel will be screening all motorists who pass through the administrative roadblock on Monday afternoon and evening. The process of screening each driver is very brief in an effort to maximize the flow of traffic at the checkpoint location and to minimize any inconveniences, Allen said.

Motorists who exhibit signs of alcohol or drug use will be directed to the secondary screening area for further evaluation. Those who fail the field sobriety tests will be placed under arrest for DUI. A first time offense in Washoe County for driving under the influence of alcohol with a concentration level of .08 percent or higher, is punishable by a $750 fine, 2 days in jail, vehicle impound fees, loss of driving privileges for 90 days, legal fees and must attend the victim impact panel.

With the extremely warm temperatures expected throughout our region this holiday weekend, more people will be recreating outdoors. Please plan your weekend with safety in mind and designate a safe and sober driver in advance if alcohol is going to be consumed. Additionally, be certain that seat belts are utilized and minimize distractions while driving, Allen said.