LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The California Highway Patrol Friday promised focused enforcement efforts during the New Year's holiday weekend.
The CHP's Maximum Enforcement Period will start at 6:01 p.m. Friday and go through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, when all available officers will be on duty, officials said.
"Impairment of any kind while driving is illegal. Alcohol, cannabis or legal or illegal drugs can all affect your driving," CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. "Impaired driving is a serious crime that can lead to an arrest, serious injury or death."
The CHP promised to focus on impaired drivers but also watch for distracted driving, speeding and seat belt violations.
Forty people died in collisions on California roadways during last year's New Year's enforcement period, the CHP said. More than two-thirds were not wearing seat belts.
Last year, CHP officers arrested 936 motorists for driving under the influence during the New Year's holiday.
Officials note there are alternatives to driving while impaired, including taxis, ride-hailing services, public transportation or calling friends or relatives.
Starting in 2019, anyone convicted of a DUI will have to install a ignition interlock system where the driver has to blow into it to make sure their BAC is below the legal limit.
People convicted of a DUI will have to install the device to get their full driving privileges back. According to Todd Gloria's office, the device is essentially a breathalyzer and prevents the driver from starting the car if they aren't sober.
"Expanding this already successful program statewide helps ensure those convicted of DUI do not become repeat offenders, and make our roads are safer," Gloria said. "This is a win for communities up and down the Golden State."
First offenders who don't cause any injuries can choose six months of the ignition interlock or a restricted license for one year. Second offenders and first offenders who injure others are both mandated to use the device for one year. For three-time offenders, the device is mandatory for two years, while four-or-more-time offenders must use the device for three years.
The state ran a pilot program of the device in Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Tulare counties beginning in 2010. According to a study of the program by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, first offenders were 74 percent less likely to become repeat offenders after using the ignition interlock device.
"Ignition interlock devices are a game-changer in the fight to stop the revolving door of repeat offenders," said Mary Klotzbach, a representative of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. "Law enforcement officers across the state are already working hard to keep drunk drivers off the road. SB 1046 helps the system work smarter by ensuring DUI offenders can continue to work, drive their kids to school, drive to and from treatment -- they just cannot drive impaired."