Full Notification

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our country's independence. It's also a time when some people make a bad decision and get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department will be out in force during the long holiday weekend to make sure impaired drivers don't put others in danger.

Watch for increased DUI patrols by deputies across the county beginning on Friday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 5th.

Deputies will also be holding DUI checkpoints in Santee and Encinitas on Friday, July 3rd.

The Sheriff's Department arrested 19 people for DUI during the Fourth of July enforcement period in 2014. During the same period in 2013, deputies arrested 46 people for impaired driving.

"If you're caught drinking and driving this Fourth of July weekend, you will go to jail," said Sheriff Bill Gore. "DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER!"

If you do drink, be sure to have a designated driver ready or call a taxi.

Here are some sober rider options for the Fourth of July:
 Tipsy Tow: http://goo.gl/PntPGr
 MTS (Bus and Trolley): http://goo.gl/5X13j
 NCTD (Bus and Coaster/Sprinter): http://goo.gl/GDqY0N

Driving Under The Influence, It's Just Not Worth It. Watch our public safety video on the high price of drinking and driving by following the Sheriff's Department on VIMEO: https://goo.gl/C1UAn.

This Fourth of July weekend, be aware of San Diego County's "Social Host" ordinance. Anyone caught serving alcohol to a minor will be arrested and booked into jail.

You can report underage drinking to the Sheriff's Department by calling our non-emergency line at (858) 565-5200.

You can also learn more about your responsibility as a "Social Host" by visiting: www.sdsheriff.net/social-host.

Celebrate the Fourth of July by doing the responsible thing: DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!!!

Funding for the Fourth of July DUI patrols is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.